Spanish Football Luis Rubiales

The new president of the Spanish Football Federation is Luis Rubiales

Luis Rubiales was elected president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on January 17, 2023, after defeating incumbent Ángel María Villar in a controversial vote. Rubiales, a former professional footballer, had been a member of the RFEF's executive committee since 2014 and had served as its vice president since 2017.

Rubiales's election was seen as a victory for reform within the RFEF, as he pledged to clean up the organization's finances and improve its governance. He also promised to increase transparency and accountability and to promote the development of Spanish football at all levels.

In his first months in office, Rubiales has made good on some of his promises. He has introduced a new code of ethics for the RFEF, and he has launched an investigation into the organization's finances. He has also announced plans to create a new national team for women's football.

However, Rubiales has also faced criticism. Some critics have accused him of being too close to the clubs and of not doing enough to promote the interests of the national team. Others have questioned his decision to appoint his friend Luis Enrique as the new national team coach.

Despite the criticism, Rubiales remains popular with the fans. He is seen as a breath of fresh air for the RFEF, and he is widely credited with bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the organization.

Only time will tell whether Rubiales will be able to deliver on his promises. However, his election is a sign that Spanish football is finally ready for change.

What is the Spanish Football Federation?

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is the governing body of football in Spain. It is responsible for organizing and regulating all aspects of the game, from professional leagues to amateur competitions. The RFEF is also responsible for the Spanish national team, and it represents the country in international competitions such as the World Cup and the European Championship.

The RFEF was founded in 1913, and it is one of the oldest national football associations in the world. The organization has been led by several presidents over the years, including Ángel María Villar, who served as president from 1988 to 2023.

The RFEF is headquartered in Madrid, and it has a staff of over 100 employees. The organization's annual budget is around €300 million.

What are the main challenges facing the Spanish Football Federation?

The Spanish Football Federation faces several challenges, including:

• Financial problems: The RFEF is facing a financial crisis, due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the decline in television revenues.
• Corruption: The RFEF has been plagued by corruption scandals in recent years, and it has been accused of cronyism and nepotism.
• Governance: The RFEF's governance has been criticized for being opaque and undemocratic.
• Development of the game: The RFEF is under pressure to improve the development of the game at all levels, from grassroots to professional.

How is the Spanish Football Federation addressing these challenges?

The RFEF is taking several steps to address these challenges, including:

• Improving its financial management: The RFEF is working to improve its financial management, and it is seeking new sources of revenue.
• Fighting corruption: The RFEF is committed to fighting corruption, and it has implemented a new code of ethics.
• Improving governance: The RFEF is working to improve its governance, and it is considering reforms to its structure.
• Developing the game: The RFEF is investing in the development of the game at all levels, from grassroots to professional.

What is the future of the Spanish Football Federation?

The future of the Spanish Football Federation is uncertain. The organization faces several challenges, but it is also taking steps to address these challenges. The RFEF will need to continue to make progress if it wants to remain a leading force in world football.