Rafael Louzan Takes Charge as New President of Spanish Football Federation Amid Legal Challenges
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Madrid (Spain), Dec 16 (NationPress) Rafael Louzan has been elected as the new president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), achieving victory over his sole competitor, Salvador Gomar, with a tally of 90 votes to 43 during an assembly held at the organization's headquarters on Monday. Louzan's election takes place despite his ongoing battle against a seven-year ban from public office due to perversion of justice, which is linked to his previous role as president of the Provincial Deputation of Pontevedra.
Louzan has lodged an appeal with the Spanish High Court, with proceedings scheduled for February. If the ban is confirmed, he will be the fourth consecutive RFEF President to face such a situation, according to reports from Xinhua.
This election arrives at a crucial juncture for Spanish football, occurring just days after Spain was officially announced as one of the hosts for the 2030 World Cup, alongside Portugal and Morocco. Furthermore, the RFEF is still grappling with the repercussions of the 'Luis Rubiales case', following the former president's unsolicited kiss to Jenni Hermoso after Spain's victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia.
Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales has received a three-year ban from all football-related activities, imposed by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee for violating Article 13 of their disciplinary code.
Rubiales kissed Spain player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony in Sydney on August 20. Additionally, he was seen carrying Spain player Athenea del Castillo on his shoulder during the post-match celebrations.
The 46-year-old Spaniard resigned from his roles as the president of the Spanish soccer federation and vice president of UEFA amid widespread backlash following his inappropriate kiss with FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Jennifer Hermoso.
