New Delhi: Within days of Spain’s Euro triumph in Euro 2024, the Royal Spanish Football Federation is embroiled in a scandal after its interim president, Pedro Rocha, was handed a two-year suspension by Spain’s Administrative Sports Court (TAD), according to media reports. Rocha was suspended as a result of making decisions outside of his power, including the dismissal of the federation general secretary, Andreu Camps.
In addition to imposing the ban, TAD also charged two fines, each amounting to €16,527.84, for discontinuing the contract with GC Legal (the RFEF’s legal advisor during Rubiales’ tenure) and for the federation’s involvement in the Super Cup case.
The investigation by TAD was opened against Rocha and the RFEF’s leadership after allegations of serious misconduct earlier this year. The sanction imposed by TAD will stop Rocha from running in the federation’s coming presidential elections in September.
It has also come to light that Rocha’s only duty as president of the RFEF’s management committee was to oversee the elections to choose a new president.
Rocha had taken over from dishonoured chief Luis Rubiales, who was forced to step down in September 2023 following his inappropriate actions towards player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony when Spain won the Women’s World Cup.
Rocha and Rubiale are also under investigation for their connection to the corruption scandal at the federation during Rubiale’s presidency. Rocha got embroiled in the case for giving testimonies deemed as both evasive and unconvincing about Rubiales’ case.
According to reports, the official statement is that Rocha is banned from “holding a post in any sporting federation” during the course of his two-year suspension.
However, it is being reported that Rocha will challenge the decision and request to remain in the post until his appeal has been handled. This would allow him to re-run the election in autumn.
Last year, FIFA announced that the 2030 Men’s World Cup would be hosted by Spain alongside Portugal and Morocco.
Just days after Spain was crowned champion in the Euro 2024 final, the country’s football federation is embroiled in scandal following its president Pedro Rocha being handed a two-year suspension. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
