head real spain football federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales convinced of the integrity of the arbitration group when records showed Jose Maria Enríquez Negreira did not play a decisive role. Technical Referee Committee (CTA), despite saying that from 2001 to 2018 FC Barcelona would pursue every payment.
In an interview broadcast on El Chiringuito and collected by Europa Press at La Cartuja, Rubiales answered questions about arbitration in a season clouded by weekly complaints from clubs. The Negreira case continued to draw scrutiny and court investigations. He noted that he spoke with Medina Cantalejo, praised for her strength, while acknowledging there are criticisms and mistakes in every trade. He suggested that some confusion stems from origins, and that controversy can fuel football’s popularity. The federation urged referees to keep their composure amid the tension and the potential for a strike.
Rubiales stated that he would attend the Cup Final with the referee and reiterated that Negreira did not influence federation decisions or appointments. He explained that since his arrival, the federation had issued a public statement denying any conflict of interest across departments, underscoring good governance. He urged trust in the justice process and the presumption of innocence, while noting that payments were not proof of wrongdoing by individuals.
He asserted confidence in the honesty of the arbitration group, stressing that Negreira did not participate in referee appointments during those years. He acknowledged past errors by referees but warned it would be surprising if a major conspiracy emerged. He also claimed that much information had been manipulated and distorted in public discourse.
Rubiales also clarified that he did not recognize José María Enríquez Negreira as the CTA vice-president, who, according to prosecutors, received payments from Barça. He described the payments as a problematic flow of money and said he would wait to see how the case unfolds in court. He added that Negreira, whom he had dismissed after arriving at the federation, should not escape accountability for any money-flow issues, even if he didn’t hold decision-making power. He challenged Barça’s stance and suggested there were broader implications to be examined.
Even Barca supporters share the sentiment that the payments are unacceptable. Rubiales called the matter an irregularity that demands full accountability and patience as investigations unfold. He spoke from La Cartuja, the venue for the Cup final between Osasuna and Real Madrid, describing the moment as precious and noting the intense atmosphere. He also expressed disappointment with anthem whistles during the event.
The federation’s leader explained that medals would be placed promptly, as with the women’s final, to maintain a smooth television experience for viewers. He underscored the importance of speed in ceremony logistics and the avoidance of delays.
LaLiga faces a recession and strategic shifts
Separately, Rubiales pointed to the league’s stagnation and its tilt toward models seen in Britain. He observed that LaLiga discussed adopting the English approach, but warned against simply copying routines without adapting to local realities. Revenues were down, and clubs were feeling the strain. The president of the employers’ association, Javier Tebas, pushed back on the notion of a dramatic decline while acknowledging a shift in the federation’s approach, including changes to the arbitration body.
For the future of Spanish football, Rubiales suggested a broader review of LaLiga’s structure and strategy. Looking abroad for inspiration is not off-limits, but any model must be tailored to Spain’s own strengths and challenges to avoid simply exchanging one set of advantages for another.
Rubiales concluded that the Spanish men’s national team is in a phase of evolution, with players ready to bring renewed joy. He defended the idea of a Super Cup in Arabia as a means to fund smaller clubs and ensure competitive football remains viable. He also praised the agreement with Morocco to rally African support for a joint bid with Portugal for the 2030 World Cup, expressing optimism that the tournament could be staged in Spain and that the final would celebrate that collaboration.