March 20, (THEWILL) – Spanish authorities conducted a major operation on Wednesday, targeting alleged corruption within the country’s football institutions.
Police searched the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in Madrid as part of an investigation into irregular contracts over the past five years.
The swoop saw numerous arrests made both at the RFEF offices and the Granada Football Federation. Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, who currently resides in Granada, had his home raided as part of the operation. Police sought evidence and documentation related to the probe.
At least three arrests have been confirmed so far, with sources indicating more could follow. The arrests are part of an investigation into suspected crimes of business corruption, maladministration and money laundering. Beyond Madrid and Granada, searches and arrests took place across various Spanish regions.
The case relates in part to the controversial awarding of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, a deal jointly brokered by Rubiales and former Barcelona player Gerard Pique. The court leading this probe previously investigated that Saudi contest agreement.
Overall, over a dozen searches were expected on Wednesday, across both public and private entities as part of this sweeping corruption inquiry into Spanish football’s leadership.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
