Rubiales Faces mounting scrutiny as federation governance comes under fire
Luis Rubiales continues to draw intense criticism while seeking to strengthen his grip on the presidency of the Spanish Football Federation. The day unfolded with a series of unfortunate developments. First, comments from the government’s head, Pedro Sánchez, added fuel to the fire, followed by sharp opposition remarks and a formal complaint from Sumar. In response, Rubiales convened a hasty meeting with his core team on the third floor of the Ciudad Deportiva del Fútbol complex to map out a strategy that he sees as aligned with a longstanding government tradition of support for the federation’s leadership.
The Friday gathering underlined the plan to hold an extraordinary General Assembly intended to shield the president from what his allies describe as relentless media scrutiny in the wake of his kiss with soccer player Jenni Hermoso. At the assembly, participants are expected to reaffirm their confidence in Rubiales, who has shown no intention of stepping aside. A resignation would trigger a cascade of leadership changes in affiliated bodies, including UEFA, where Rubiales serves as Vice-President of the Executive Committee, highlighting how tightly intertwined these roles are with the federation’s leadership crisis.
Simultaneously, the federation announced ongoing internal reviews concerning integrity matters. This step triggers activation of the Advisory Committee against Sexual Abuse of the RFEF, which in turn requires the committee to pause any immediate action pending a resolution. The strategy appears to be buying time, allowing Rubiales to weather the political storm while planning a high-stakes Assembly that could consolidate his position.
The difficulties Rubiales faces
From a legal and institutional standpoint, the government lacks direct authority to remove or force the resignation of the federation’s president, since the Assembly members elect him. However, there are mechanisms to suspend him temporarily through the Higher Sports Council, chaired by Víctor Francos. This body could refer one or more of the three complaints lodged with the Sports Administrative Court, including complaints from Miguel Galán, director of the CENAFE coaching center; from former referee Estrada Fernández; or from the Sumar side, which has raised concerns about governance and conduct.
A pivotal testimony
Once the disciplinary file reaches the TAD, an investigating judge will prepare a formal report. Depending on its findings, Rubiales could be disqualified pending a final ruling on the complaints. This possibility adds another layer of pressure as the federation grapples with the potential reputational and operational consequences of a temporary removal.
Francos has confirmed that he has formally urged the federation to initiate urgent proceedings. Failure to act could trigger intervention by the CSD, with a priority focus on Jenni Hermoso’s testimony. The credibility and substance of her statements will significantly influence whether the file is escalated to the TAD and how the situation is ultimately classified, whether as serious or very serious, shaping the likelihood of swift or extended measures against the president.