Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales briefly held by Madrid authorities
Luis Rubiales, the ousted ex-President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was briefly detained upon his arrival in Madrid, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Guardia Civil to CNN sources.
Former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales was detained by Spain's Civil Guard upon arriving in Madrid from an international flight. He was released after questioning.
A Civil Guard spokesperson told CNN that Rubiales was detained this morning at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, following his arrival on a commercial flight from the Dominican Republic.
He was stopped by the Civil Guard’s Central Operative Unit (UCO) on the runway and taken away in a van.
The UCO is a division of the Spanish Civil Guard that focuses on combating serious and organized crime within Spain.
Rubiales has been released by the Civil Guard after giving testimony at Terminal 4 of the airport. He is now waiting to be called to court.
CNN has contacted Rubiales' lawyers for a comment.
In March, Spanish prosecutors requested a prison sentence of two years and six months for Rubiales for kissing star forward Jennifer Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup win.
Reports from various media outlets indicate that his arrest is linked to a corruption investigation during his time as RFEF president.
The Civil Guard spokesman told CNN that Rubiales was detained and questioned for a separate investigation from the one by the Spanish National Court regarding the unconsented kiss to Hermoso. However, further details could not be provided due to a Court decision.
Editor's P/S:
The arrest of former RFEF President Luis Rubiales raises questions about corruption and abuse of power within Spanish football. The UCO's investigation focuses on Rubiales' actions during his presidency, hinting at a broader scheme of misconduct. The separate investigation into his inappropriate kiss of Jennifer Hermoso further tarnishes his reputation and casts a shadow over his legacy.
While Rubiales has been released after questioning, the charges against him are serious. The two-year and six-month prison sentence requested by prosecutors for the unconsented kiss highlights the severity of the offense. Rubiales' actions not only violated Hermoso's privacy but also undermined the values of respect and equality that should prevail in sports. It is crucial that the ongoing investigations uncover the truth and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing committed.
