Return to Spain

Ex-football boss Rubiales arrested at the airport

Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association accused of corruption and sexual aggression, has been detained on his return home. Rubiales was taken into custody on Wednesday at Madrid's Adolfo Suárez airport by officers from the Guardia Civil police unit and released after a short time, reported state TV station RTVE and other media. Rubiales has denied all accusations.

After a stay in the Dominican Republic, Rubiales reportedly landed in Madrid on a scheduled flight. He was met by officials at the airport and informed of his situation, according to RTVE. He is expected to receive a summons from the competent judge soon to be heard in the matter of the alleged irregular contracts.

Rubiales is under investigation for alleged irregular contracts signed during his five-year presidency of the RFEF. The alleged offenses in this case include corruption in business transactions, unfair administration and money laundering.

Kissing scandal at the World Cup
The 46-year-old is also under criminal investigation in Spain for the kissing scandal at the 2023 World Cup in Australia, which caused a worldwide stir. Rubiales had kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth during the award ceremony after winning the World Cup title. Hermoso contradicted Rubiales' statement that the kiss was consensual.

Rubiales resigned as head of the association last September in the wake of the kissing scandal. He was banned for three years by FIFA, among others, because of the affair. The Spaniard has denied all allegations - including those of corruption. In both cases, the former official faces several years in prison. Prison sentences of up to two years are generally suspended in Spain.