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.
UEFA is considering hosting the Champions League final in the United States, potentially as early as 2027.
This development follows UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) entering exclusive negotiations with Relevent Sports, a New York-based agency, for global commercial rights to men's club competitions from 2027 to 2033.
Relevent Sports, founded by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, has a history of organizing major football events, including the International Champions Cup, and aims to bring significant European matches to U.S. soil.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has previously acknowledged this possibility, stating, "Football is extremely popular in the United States these days. Americans are willing to pay [high ticket prices] for the best."
The potential shift to U.S. venues is part of a broader strategy to expand the global reach of European football and tap into the lucrative American market.
This move would mark a significant departure from tradition, as the Champions League final has historically been held in Europe.
The proposed partnership with Relevent Sports could pave the way for this change, with discussions suggesting that a final in the U.S. could occur by 2033.
Relevent Sports has been at the forefront of promoting European football in the U.S., and their collaboration with UEFA could facilitate this landmark event.
However, this proposal has sparked debate among fans and stakeholders.
Traditionalists argue that relocating the final could undermine the competition's European heritage and inconvenience local supporters.
Conversely, proponents believe it would enhance the sport's global profile and generate substantial revenue.
As UEFA and Relevent Sports continue their negotiations, the football community awaits a decision that could redefine the landscape of European club football.
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