Luis Rubiales, former head of Spain’s football organisation, has been arrested at Madrid Airport on corruption allegations.
It comes after police raided his property last month as part of an ongoing investigation.
Luis Rubiales was accused of non-consensually kissing a player at last year’s Women’s World Cup in Sydney. He was handed multiple suspensions and bans over the incident.
Here’s the latest.
Who is Luis Rubiales?
Luis Rubiales was head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). He was accused of forcefully kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup in August.
Hermoso filed a complaint, alleging sexual assault and coercion. Rubiales denies any wrongdoing.
Rubiales has since stepped down as head of RFEF and been handed a three-year ban by FIFA.
Spain’s High Court recommended criminal charges be laid against Rubiales.
Corruption allegations
Spanish police launched an investigation into alleged money laundering and corruption by RFEF.
A police raid on RFEF’s head office led to the arrests of six people last month. A property owned by Rubiales in the city of Granada was also raided.
Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia said the raids were linked to a €40 million ($AU66 million) deal between Rubiales and Saudi Arabia to host an annual Spanish soccer competition. Former player Gerard Piqué, ex-partner of singer Shakira, was also involved in the deal.
Arrest
Rubiales was on his way home from a two-month trip to the Dominican Republic when he was arrested at Madrid Airport on Wednesday.
Spanish military guards detained and questioned him but he has since been released from custody.
Rubiales has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to the Saudi deal.
He will face court in the coming days, when more details about the charges against him are expected.
