Two pivotal meetings shape the future of Rubialismo in Spain
This Friday in Las Rozas, a football city known for its bustling scene, two decisive gatherings will determine the path of Rubialismo, the ongoing faction linked to the former federation president who still commands a loyal circle. The first meeting will assemble the commission, made up of the presidents of the autonomous and regional federations, beginning at 11:30 in the morning.
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A 12-member Executive
The second meeting will bring together the board of directors of the Royal Spanish Football Federation starting at 13:30. The interim president named by Rubiales, Pedro Rocha of Extremadura, will report on plans to establish a Management Commission following Rubiales’ resignation on Sunday. This Executive will consist of twelve members: six from the Board of Directors and six from the Delegate Commission. With the election of these twelve members, Rocha’s strategy will become clear, as he can push for continuity by including senior Rubialist figures in the Commission such as Andreu Camps, Pedro González Segura, and Miguel García Caba.
Among those who oppose Rocha, Valencian leader Salvador Gomar stands out. Gomar, who was one of Rubiales’ vice presidents and who had a notably strong stance against the Motril faction, has been among the fiercest critics of the current direction.
What if Rubiales resigned to save Rubialism
Sergio R. Viñas reports on the intra-federation dynamics and the pressure points as a potential resignation moves through the room. Before the meeting where resignation was discussed, Rubiales queried regional presidents asking if they trusted him. The response was tepid and met with skepticism from several, including Gomar, who pressed hard for a clear yes or no on resignation. Gomar became a focal point of the motions aimed at parliamentary oversight and a possible overthrow of the leadership.
Gomar is viewed by many as the strongest challenger to directly control the Executive and remove Rocha from the federation presidency. Yet there is speculation that his aim may be to secure leadership only until the next election, a calculation likely influenced by decisions pending at the Sports Administrative Court in Valencia. The Valencia federation leadership, held since 2018 by a lawyer and sports administrator, has faced allegations from former officials of embezzlement and procedural irregularities linked to payroll actions that bypass standard controls.
One of Gomar’s notable initiatives included the Suma program which sought to create a women’s development space called Valenta. This program contributed to a notable increase in women’s football licenses in the Valencian community. Rumors suggest that Gomar could use Rubiales’ exit as a springboard to pursue leadership of the federation and manage elections in 2024, with allies within the organization seeking a clean break from the Rubiales era.
European Parliament condemns Rubiales Kiss
Gomar’s path to leadership depends on securing sufficient support within parliament and gaining the necessary approvals to run. He has been quietly building a coalition of supporters and has suggested that a candidacy could be submitted for a vote after certain guarantees are reviewed and approved. While other potential candidates such as Pablo Lozano from Andalusia and Paco Díez from Madrid were discussed, the field has narrowed, leaving Gomar as the primary alternative to challenge Pedro Rocha. The path to the presidential seat remains fraught with obstacles and internal negotiations within the federation halls are intense. ”