Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been handed a suspended sentence by a Swiss court, but not for the actions that recently sparked global outrage. The judgment, delivered in his absence, stems from a 2019 incident involving the secret recording of a meeting at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.
Rubiales received a 60-day fine, suspended, after being found guilty of recording the UEFA meeting without authorization. The discussion reportedly centered around allegations of bribery directed at his rival, Javier Tebas, then-president of La Liga. Both Rubiales and Tebas were serving on a UEFA executive committee at the time, with Rubiales holding a vice-presidential role.
The controversy arrives as Rubiales continues to face legal challenges related to his non-consensual kiss of player Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Prosecutors are currently seeking a retrial in that case, arguing that the original judge improperly excluded evidence.
In addition to the suspended fine, Rubiales is also ordered to pay 6,000 Swiss francs to his former rival, Javier Tebas. The incident highlights a period of intense conflict between the two football administrators. The ruling comes as the statute of limitations loomed for the 2019 recording, with Rubiales seemingly attempting to evade justice, according to reports.
Rubiales was condemned in absentia by the Vaudois justice system.
