Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), was arrested upon his arrival in Madrid from the Dominican Republic on Wednesday. The arrest is part of an ongoing corruption investigation related to alleged illegal commissions received during negotiations for staging the Spanish Super Cup competition in Saudi Arabia. While prosecutors seek a two-and-a-half-year jail term for Rubiales, he denies any wrongdoing.
Rubiales, who was released soon after being detained, is expected to appear in court on Thursday, according to reports from Spanish public broadcaster RTVE. This arrest follows a previous search of Rubiales’ home and the football federation headquarters last month, during which several arrests were made.
Additionally, Rubiales faces a separate trial for sexual assault, stemming from an incident where he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after last summer’s World Cup final. Hermoso and her teammates described the kiss as unwanted and demeaning, leading to Rubiales’ resignation from his position as RFEF president.