Luis Rubiales arrested in corruption investigation
Former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, was arrested on Wednesday as part of a corruption probe. He was released soon after being detained on arrival in Madrid from the Dominican Republic.
Allegations suggest his involvement in receiving illicit kickbacks during negotiations for hosting the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, with prosecutors aiming for a two-and-a-half-year imprisonment. Rubiales maintains his innocence.
Upon stepping off the plane, he was escorted into a black van by members of the Civil Guard but was subsequently released. According to reports from Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, Rubiales might face court proceedings on Thursday.
Notably, he was out of the country when authorities searched his residence last month, which coincided with raids on the football federation’s headquarters and multiple arrests.
Rubiales faces a separate trial for sexual assault following an incident where he kissed footballer Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after last summer’s World Cup final.
Rubiales was forced to resign following the incident, although he denies wrongdoing.