Spanish football federation headquarters raided in probe over Saudi Super Cup deal | OneFootball

Police have raided the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) as part of a corruption probe over a multi-million-euro deal to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.

According to Reuters, an apartment belonging to former RFEF president Luis Rubiales was also searched on Wednesday.

A Spanish court has been investigating whether Rubiales committed a crime when the RFEF agreed with former Barcelona player Gerard Pique’s Kosmos firm to move the competition to Saudi.

The 46-year-old expanded the tournament to a four-team format and shifted it from August to January during his tenure.

The Spanish governing body agreed a deal worth $131 million with the Saudi sports authority to host the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The court reportedly ordered 11 new searches across Spain as part of their investigation for corruption in business, improper asset management and money laundering.

The national prosecutor’s office said seven people are expected to be arrested in connection to the case.

Rubiales resigned last September after facing widespread criticism for kissing Spain star Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the World Cup final awards ceremony in Australia.

FIFA later handed him a three-year ban from all football-related activities due to his controversial actions at the tournament.

A Spanish judge has proposed that Rubiales should stand trial following his and Hermoso’s testimony in court.