RFEF apologise to the world after Rubiales disgrace

Here is the complete letter from Pedro Rocha, President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), addressing the recent events related to the 'Rubiales case':

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), through its President, Mr. Pedro Rocha, considers it essential to offer the most sincere apologies to the entire football world, the football institutions (FIFA, UEFA, FN), the football players, especially the players of the Spanish Women's National Team and the English Women's National Team, the other stakeholders in football, and football fans worldwide. This apology is due to the entirely unacceptable behavior of its highest institutional representative during the final and subsequent moments, which do not align with the values of Spanish society, its institutions, its representatives, its athletes, and the leaders of Spanish sports.

Spanish society serves as an example of tolerance and civility in all social and political areas and has exhibited exemplary behavior and sportsmanship at all sporting events it has participated in for decades. However, this nobility and international prestige of our society and sports have been tarnished in recent days due to the actions of Luis M. Rubiales.

The damage caused to Spanish football, Spanish sports, Spanish society, and the core values of football and sports has been enormous. The RFEF wants to convey its deepest regrets to society as a whole and the global football community for what has happened, which has overshadowed our national team, our football, and our society. We feel deeply saddened by the harm caused, and for this reason, the RFEF must offer the most sincere apologies and make a firm and absolute commitment that events like these can never happen again.

Both the governing bodies of world football, FIFA, and the national sports authorities, the High Council for Sports (Consejo Superior de Deportes, CSD) and the Administrative Court of Sport (Tribunal Administrativo del Deporte, TAD), have immediately initiated the corresponding disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Luis Rubiales. In the case of FIFA's decision, it entails the immediate suspension of his functions as president of the RFEF. The RFEF is providing all the necessary documentary and administrative support required by both disciplinary bodies to reach a definitive resolution as soon as possible to redress the damage caused.

Winning the World Cup was one of the proudest moments in the history of the Spanish Football Federation and one of the most significant moments in Spanish sports history, especially women's football. However, the actions of Mr. Rubiales, both at that time and in the hours that followed, are completely unacceptable under any circumstances. Therefore, the RFEF immediately removed from its website all inappropriate and senseless communications that failed to appreciate the achievements of the national team and disregarded the players' statements about these events.

Mr. Rubiales' actions do not represent the values upheld by the Spanish Football Federation, nor the values of Spanish society as a whole. His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, as he is the only one responsible for his actions before society, sports authorities, and, if necessary, the judiciary. To make it clear, this position was Mr. Rubiales', not that of the RFEF.

We feel especially saddened and ashamed of the additional pain and distress this has caused. We regret that this incident has negatively impacted what should have been an ongoing celebration of football, both for our national team and the England Lionesses, who were truly exceptional opponents in an exciting final.

On August 28, 2023, the RFEF issued a statement in which the presidents of the Autonomous Football Federations unanimously demanded Mr. Rubiales' resignation as President of the RFEF due to his improper conduct. It was also announced that a review of the current leadership structures of the organization was underway and continues. In this regard, to protect Spanish football and ensure that such behavior does not recur, a comprehensive investigation of the facts and subsequent measures taken by Mr. Rubiales was immediately initiated.

At the same time, the presidents of the member federations of the Spanish Football Federation demanded the immediate resignation of the president and committed to conducting a thorough review of all policies and procedures of the organization. Their commitment is unanimous and firm, aiming to implement a set of actions in the coming days to improve the governance of the Spanish Football Federation and to redress the damage caused as much as possible.

The RFEF must act in coordination with the High Council for Sports to serve the general interests of Spanish sports. Privately, we have communicated this statement to the relevant authorities and institutions, which we now make public. Finally, I want to congratulate our national team once again for their historic victory, recognizing the impact and legacy their triumph will have on the future of Spanish football.

We are convinced that their spirit has inspired millions of people of all ages, and we cannot be prouder of how they have conducted themselves, both on and off the field. In due course, I intend to return the spotlight to them and celebrate their achievements as they deserve.

Pedro Rocha

President of the RFEF