Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has firmly denied any allegations of misconduct and corruption related to his decision to relocate the Spanish Supercopa to Saudi Arabia. Despite facing questioning by the police upon his return to Spain from the Dominican Republic and being under investigation as part of a corruption probe, Rubiales maintained his innocence.
Rubiales emphatically refuted claims that his choice to host the competition in Saudi Arabia was influenced by personal business interests, stating that he has never had business dealings in Saudi Arabia. He also denied reports suggesting that he had land to build hotels in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he dismissed allegations of receiving illegal commissions during his tenure as the head of the Spanish Football Federation, emphasizing that the funds in his accounts were the result of his hard work and savings.
“I have never had business in Saudi Arabia,” Rubiales told La Sexta TV prior to his return to Spain. “It’s a lie that I have land to build hotels in Saudi Arabia, which is what is being reported.”
The corruption and money laundering investigation also encompasses contracts signed by the Spanish FA for the renovation of Seville’s La Cartuja stadium, which is scheduled to host various significant international games, including the Copa del Rey final. Rubiales adamantly denied any wrongdoing in this regard as well.
Furthermore, Rubiales addressed his connection with former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué’s sports entertainment company, Kosmos, which was involved in the deal with the federation and Saudi Arabia. He asserted that it was Kosmos that brought the offer from Saudi Arabia and emphasized that they chose the better offer without any involvement of bribery.
“Never [received payments],” Rubiales said. “The money in my accounts is the product of my work and my savings.”
Former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué’s sports entertainment company, Kosmos, was involved in the deal with the federation and Saudi Arabia.
“It was Kosmos that brought Saudi Arabia [offer],” Rubiales said. “We chose the better offer.
“The Qatar option was never an offer. I have not received a bribe from Piqué. He has neither offered me anything nor have I taken anything.”
Despite facing challenges, including raids on his property and the offices of the Spanish Football Federation, as well as his resignation from his position in September, Rubiales remains steadfast in denying any wrongdoing. Prosecutors seeking legal action against him for an incident after Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup are also vehemently contested by Rubiales, who has consistently denied any misconduct.
Rubiales’s continued denial and defense against the allegations underscore his commitment to clear his name and address the various legal challenges he faces.
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