Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Rubiales denies Saudi links amid corruption probe

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Thursday, 04 April 2024 07:20

Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales denied that his decision to move the Spanish Supercopa to Saudi Arabia was motivated by his own business investments.

Rubiales was detained and briefly questioned by police on arrival in Madrid on Wednesday from the Dominican Republic.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

He is being investigated as part of a corruption probe into the lucrative three-year deal agreed by the RFEF with the Saudi sports authority in 2019 to stage the competition in Saudi Arabia.

"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."

Rubiales also denied he has received illegal commissions while at the helm of the Spanish FA.

The corruption and money laundering investigation is also looking into contracts signed by the Spanish FA for the renovation of Seville's La Cartuja stadium, which will host Saturday's Copa del Rey final and also stages other international games.

"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."

Prosecutors opened a probe of that deal in 2022 following leaked audio between Rubiales and Piqué regarding commissions.

Spanish police recently raided a property belonging to Rubiales in Granada while he was in the Dominican Republic as well as the offices of the RFEF in Madrid.

Seven people were arrested before being released and Rubiales was identified as one of five additional individuals under investigation.

Rubiales is also facing a separate case.

Prosecutors are seeking a 2-1/2-year jail term for Rubiales for his unsolicited kiss given on the lips to player Jenni Hermoso following Spain's win at the Women's World Cup final.

Rubiales, who was forced to resign in September following the scandal, has denied any wrongdoing.

Read 94 times

Soccer

Mo Salah glum on Liverpool future: 'More out than in'

Mo Salah glum on Liverpool future: 'More out than in'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMohamed Salah has said he is yet to receive a formal contract offer...

Galaxy hit 6 to rout Loons; Sounders next in West

Galaxy hit 6 to rout Loons; Sounders next in West

Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic each scored twice -- with one goal in each half -- a...

Amorim: United set for long period of suffering

Amorim: United set for long period of suffering

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRúben Amorim said Manchester United will have to "suffer for a long...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCharlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams sustained season-ending te...

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Baseball

Woodward returns to Dodgers as first-base coach

Woodward returns to Dodgers as first-base coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Chris Woodward has been named first-base coach by th...

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

EmailPrintRico Carty, who won the 1970 National League batting title when he hit a major-league-best...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated