Family feud: Spanish FA denies accusations Rubiales used funds for private party

September 16 – The Spanish FA (RFEF) has vehemently denied accusations by the uncle of its president that it used funds to host a party with “young ladies” and to hire a detective to investigate the head of Spain’s players’ union.

The federation run by Luis Rubiales (pictured) issued a statement on Thursday “firmly denying” the charges made to state prosecutors by the president’s own uncle and his former chief of staff, Juan Rubiales, who was fired by the federation in July.

Juan Rubiales had previously headed his nephew’s campaign for the RFEF  Presidency.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo had reported Juan Rubiales claimed federation funds were used for a private party at a rental property and that Luis Rubiales would “invite eight to ten young girls” to a chalet in the region of Granada.

It is also alleged that Luis Rubiales hired private investigators to follow the head of the Spanish Players’ Association David Aganzo, a political rival.

The federation responded by saying it “laments and categorically denies” the accusations that have been made, saying they were from a former employee “motivated by spite”.

The RFEF  insisted the alleged party was “a work meeting” that included Juan Rubiales and that the property where it was held was rented by each of its attendants – not with federation funds.

It added that “not on that date nor at any other time has one single euro been dedicated to questions that are not related to the running of the federation.”

In a separate statement, the federation said several of its officials, but not Luis Rubiales – a UEFA vice-president – will sue Juan Rubiales for slander and defamation.

The claims represent the latest drama surrounding the Spanish Football Federation President after leaked conversations between Rubiales and Gerard Pique were released earlier this year.

The audio recordings showed Piqué asking for help from Rubiales to get him on to the Spanish team at the Tokyo Olympics, despite having retired from international football. This followed media reports he was paid a €24 million commission for securing the hosting of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1711725977labto1711725977ofdlr1711725977owedi1711725977sni@w1711725977ahsra1711725977w.wer1711725977dna1711725977

 

(end)