President of the Spanish Football Federation under investigation, RFEF threatens to withdraw from UEFA

Yesterday (August 28), the Spanish prosecutor's office announced that they will open a preliminary investigation into allegations of "sexual assault" against the President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales for forcing a kiss on the World Cup champion during the awards ceremony.

Rubiales' actions will be closely scrutinized by prosecutors, who said the actions could constitute "sexual assault." Jennifer Hermoso has also been invited to meet with prosecutors within the next 15 days to be informed of her rights as a victim and "file a complaint" if necessary.

In another development, the Spanish Sports Administrative Court (TAD) will hold a meeting today to study the government's request to suspend President Rubiales from his position. Accordingly, this suspension may be extended beyond FIFA's 90-day notice pending the TAD's final decision.

However, Onda Cero radio said the RFEF had warned the Spanish government of the consequences if the decision to remove Luis Rubiales from the presidency was carried out.

Recently, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) threatened to leave UEFA. This is considered the support that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) gives to its leader Luis Rubiales. Yesterday (August 28), the interim president of the RFEF, Mr. Rocha, met to discuss the current crisis.

According to the description of the Spanish media, Mr. Rocha and his subordinates are considered to be in the same faction as Rubiales. Therefore, they all expressed their determination to protect the head of the federation.

The RFEF is under heavy pressure from the Spanish government, which has criticised Rubiales and wants him removed. According to the accusations of the RFEF’s general secretary, Andreu Camps, government officials “are interfering in the activities of the RFEF”, which is not allowed because the body is independent.

So the RFEF sent a letter of complaint to UEFA, calling on the organization to protect it. But UEFA remained silent. According to AS, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin “appreciated the letter but decided not to intervene”.

Therefore, there is news that the RFEF wants to withdraw from UEFA to put pressure. If this happens, the Spanish team will not participate in EURO, the clubs will also withdraw from continental tournaments such as the Champions League, Cup C2, Cup C3, both men and women. This situation is no different from what Russian football is going through, when they are completely "isolated" from continental football.

The move comes as UEFA prepares to draw the groups for the 2023/24 European Cup. And it will certainly put a lot of pressure on the body.

RFEF general secretary Andreu Camps said that the Spanish government's intervention in Rubiales' case could result in all of the country's teams being expelled from UEFA competitions.

If this happens, fans will not be able to watch men's football teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona compete in the Champions League.

However, according to insiders, this is still just a statement to put pressure because it will be very difficult for the RFEF to leave European football, especially when their clubs certainly do not support the decision.

Victor Francos, president of the European Higher Sports Council (CSD), also made it clear that “there is no risk of Spanish national teams and clubs not participating in international competitions”.