Rubiales resigns, so what's next at the RFEF?

Luis Rubiales has resigned as President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). It seemed like he might hold on to his position and cling to it as much as possible, but the "bomb" dropped on Sunday with the publication of an interview with journalist Piers Morgan. In fact, the FIFA-banned RFEF president traveled to London to record the interview for over two hours. The full content will be broadcast later this week.

He has also issued a statement signed by himself explaining the reasons for his decision and expressing gratitude to the people who supported him. From this point on, it's time to consider what steps need to be taken. What happens now with the presidency of the RFEF? Can the current members, who were part of Rubiales' board, continue to lead?

ELECTIONS

"If the President ceases for a reason other than the completion of his term, the Board of Directors shall constitute itself as a Governing Commission and shall call elections to fill the position. The person elected shall hold the position for a period equal to the remainder of the replaced individual's term, and the provision set out in Article 23.2 of this regulation shall also apply in relation to the replaced individual," Article 31 of the RFEF's Statutes states.

From here, this Governing Commission must call for elections, and they must be held immediately. However, there is a legal issue. Federative entities theoretically cannot call elections in an Olympic year before the Olympic Games take place. And these are scheduled for July-August.

Thus, a special permit from the government is required for them to take place before the Olympic event. This is something that, in principle, will be granted to resolve the situation as soon as possible and prevent any mismanagement within the RFEF.

RUBIALES COULD ONLY RUN IF THEY ARE HELD AFTER THE OLYMPICS

"However, Spanish sports federations participating in the Summer Olympic Games will initiate their electoral processes within two months following the conclusion of those games," states the Royal Decree that regulates electoral processes in sports federations.

"In the event that, for any reason, they do not complete the term of office, those who fill the vacancies shall hold the position for a period equal to the remainder of the term of the replaced individuals, who shall not be eligible for re-election until after the Olympic period for which they were elected has passed," the Statutes state.

Therefore, Rubiales could only run if the elections were held after the Olympic Games. This is something that, barring a radical change in the situation, is unlikely to happen.