Savinho to the rescue as Pep & City avoid ultimate embarrassment

Chiesa catches the eye but Liverpool lose 100% record

Hector Bellerin: Why pre-match rituals are so important 

Stop that, Nwaneri! Teen star's stunner gets Neto out of jail

Rodrygo runs amok but Madrid miss last-16 spot

Editors' Picks

Man City told to brace for 40-point deduction

Inter Miami co-owner Beckham reveals Messi's Barca return plan

Neymar sends emotional farewell message to Al-Hilal fans

La Liga president hits out at Spanish media for 'killing' Mbappe

Messi defended as Mexico ‘only country that doesn’t enjoy him’

Henry rubbishes ‘acting’ claims on CBS Champions League coverage

'Can no longer sleep by myself' - Wissa speaks on acid attack trauma

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Arrest warrant for Rubiales and others issued</li><li>Other individuals also under investigation</li><li>Supercopa move to Saudi Arabia at core of issue</li></ul>

Arrest warrant issued for disgraced former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales amid Saudi-linked corruption allegations

Prosecutors have requested that the disgraced official be arrested as authorities look into the deal to play Supercopa de Espana games in Saudi Arabia, <a href="https://www.ondacero.es/noticias/espana/orden-detencion-luis-rubiales-supuestas-irregularidades-rfef_2024032065fb2f045e1b1f0001ffd789.html" target="_blank">Onda Cero</a> reports. Rubiales has not yet been taken into custody because he is currently in Dominican Republic. Six other individuals are also set to be detained after Guardia Civil officers searched the RFEF headquarters as well as Rubiales' property in Granada and several other private homes.

WHAT HAPPENED?

A statement from Spanish football's governing body read: "Today, the RFEF has offered full collaboration to the State Security Forces and Corps, as well as to the Justice Department, after the search of its headquarters; and has opted for absolute transparency in the institution that runs football in Spain. In this sense, he considers that the ultimate consequences must be reached in the ongoing investigation. "The Federation shows its deep concern about the events that occurred today and advocates offering all possible transparency, honoring the values that football represents and that its leaders must defend, and must be an example for society."

WHAT THE RFEF SAID

The deal to restructure the Supercopa de Espana and move it to Saudi Arabia was agreed in 2019, changing it from one match between two teams into a four-team tournament including the winners and runners-up of La Liga and the Copa del Rey. The RFEF will earn a reported €240 million (£205m/$260) over six seasons.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Rubiales' tenure as RFEF president came to an end last year after he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/kiss-jenni-hermoso-record-straight-81-players-spain-luis-rubiales-gone/blt102afeaa9b686f70" target="_blank">kissed Jenni Hermoso without the star's consent</a> as he handed out winners' medals after they beat England in the Women's World Cup final. FIFA banned the official for three years and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/luis-rubiales-appeal-fifa-three-year-ban-rfef-president-jenni-hermoso-kiss-scandal/blt52f2ce9c88d3e54a" target="_blank">the punishment was upheld after he appealed</a> against it, with the governing body insistent he was lucky to avoid further punishment. He <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/luis-rubiales-prosecution-sexual-assault-investigation-spanish-fa-president/blt8d611973b89c334a" target="_blank">may even face prosecution for sexual assault</a> after an investigation was opened up in Spain. Rubiales has consistently <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/jenni-hermoso-lying-luis-rubiales-denial-women-world-cup-final-sexual-assault-rfef-president-judges-no-crime/bltc6add19869dcd8a6" target="_blank">protested his innocence against the accusations,</a> accusing Hermoso of lying about the situation.

DID YOU KNOW?

The investigation into the Supercopa deal began following a formal legal complaint that was made in May 2022. It is not yet known if Rubiales or the other individuals being investigated will be prosecuted by authorities.

WHAT NEXT?

Arrest warrant issued for disgraced former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales amid Saudi-linked corruption allegations | Goal.com

Ex-Spanish federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales is to be arrested after his home was searched amid an investigation into alleged corruption.

Next Match