FIFA and UEFA Seek Answers Amid Spanish Football Federation Corruption Probe
FIFA, the international governing body of football, and UEFA, the administrative body for football in Europe, have reached out to the Royal Spanish Football Federation seeking a detailed update on the arrests made last week as part of ongoing corruption investigations.
A joint letter sent by FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura and UEFA Secretary General Theodore Theodoridis to Pedro Rocha, the head of the interim management committee of the Spanish Federation, expressed concerns and requested further information.
According to the letter viewed by Reuters, FIFA and UEFA inquired about the nature of the allegations and the individuals involved in the investigations.
Last Thursday, the Spanish Federation fired two officials linked to corruption investigations involving alleged multi-million dealings.
Police raided the headquarters of the Spanish Federation and the apartment of its former president, Luis Rubiales, last week. Seven individuals were arrested as part of an investigation into corruption allegations related to the lucrative deal to host the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Rubiales has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Furthermore, FIFA and UEFA are also seeking information regarding next steps in the investigation and expected measures.
Spain, in a joint bid with Portugal and Morocco, is set to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. However, the Spanish Federation has been dealing with a series of issues recently.
In September, Rubiales resigned as the head of the Federation. A month later, FIFA suspended him from all football-related activities for three years following an incident where he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent after the Women's World Cup final.
Rubiales claimed the act was consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, a prosecutor at the Spanish Supreme Court is calling for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the 46-year-old.