Spanish Government Intervenes in Football Federation Amidst Corruption Scandal

Government Steps In To Stabilize RFEF

“The Spanish government adopted this decision to redress the serious situation in which the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) finds itself so that the entity can begin a stage of renewal in a climate of stability,” indicated the Superior Sports Council (CSD) this Thursday. The CSD, an organization dependent on the Spanish Ministry of Sports, has set up a "supervision, standardization and representation commission" led by "independent personalities" to oversee the RFEF in the coming months.

Background of Corruption and Mismanagement

The intervention follows a tumultuous period for the RFEF, which was first rocked by the scandal involving Luis Rubiales' inappropriate behavior towards Jenni Hermoso last summer. More recently, the federation has been at the center of a corruption investigation leading to the indictment of former football chief Luis Rubiales and his successor, Pedro Rocha. A report by the Administrative Court for Sport (TAD) highlighted “very serious” mistakes by Rocha and his interim management, prompting the government's decision.

Upcoming Elections Amidst Crisis

Despite the controversies, elections for the presidency of the Federation are scheduled for May 6, with Pedro Rocha as the sole candidate. This election comes at a critical time as the RFEF seeks to restore stability and credibility in the lead-up to the potential hosting of the 2030 World Cup, alongside Portugal and Morocco.