Spain’s Supreme Court has overturned the malfeasance conviction of Rafael Louzan, allowing him to continue serving as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Louzan, who faced a seven-year ban for alleged misconduct involving a football pitch improvement contract in Morana, saw his conviction annulled after the court ruled that his actions did not constitute a crime.
The ruling spares the RFEF from another leadership shakeup, following the scandal involving former president Luis Rubiales, who stepped down amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Speaking on the ruling, Louzan stated, “This decision reaffirms my commitment to Spanish football and to leading the RFEF with integrity and transparency.”
The verdict comes at a crucial time as Spain prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.
With the RFEF aiming to restore its credibility, Louzan's leadership will be under intense scrutiny.
Critics argue that Spanish football’s governing body still faces systemic issues that must be addressed to move forward.
A Spanish sports analyst commented, “While the ruling clears Louzan legally, the RFEF’s reputation remains fragile, and real reform is necessary to regain public trust.”
As the federation moves forward, all eyes will be on Louzan’s ability to rebuild confidence in the organisation and ensure a smooth path to the 2030 World Cup.
La Liga has officially lodged a complaint with the European Commission, accusing Manchester City of violating EU competition laws by receiving undisclosed financial support from the United Arab Emirates.
The complaint, submitted by La Liga President Javier Tebas, alleges that these funds were used to artificially boost Manchester City’s revenues and circumvent UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Tebas stated, "This is a clear case of financial doping that distorts the competitive balance across Europe," emphasizing the need for regulatory intervention.
He further argued that Manchester City’s actions have "created an uneven playing field," disadvantaging clubs that comply with financial regulations.
In response, Manchester City has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that their financial practices are fully compliant with all regulations.
A club spokesperson stated, "Manchester City operates within the rules and remains confident that an impartial review will confirm this."
The club's financial dealings have already been under scrutiny due to over 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, including accusations of overstating sponsorship revenues.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola refused to comment directly on the allegations during a recent press conference, responding with a curt "Next question" when asked about the issue.
If found guilty, the club could face severe penalties, including fines, points deductions, or even exclusion from European competitions.
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