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Embattled Rubiales denies Saudi ventures amid corruption probe

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Former Spanish Soccer Federation president Luis Rubiales denied that his determination to maneuver the Spanish Supercopa to Saudi Arabia was motivated by his personal enterprise investments.

Rubiales was detained and briefly questioned by police on arrival in Madrid on Wednesday from the Dominican Republic.

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He’s being investigated as a part of a corruption probe into the profitable three-year deal agreed by the RFEF with the Saudi sports activities authority in 2019 to stage the competitors in Saudi Arabia.

“I’ve by no means had enterprise in Saudi Arabia,” Rubiales informed La Sexta TV previous to his return to Spain. “It is a lie that I’ve land to construct motels in Saudi Arabia, which is what’s being reported.”

Rubiales additionally denied he has acquired unlawful commissions whereas on the helm of the Spanish FA.

The corruption and cash laundering investigation can be wanting into contracts signed by the Spanish FA for the renovation of Seville’s La Cartuja stadium, which is able to host Saturday’s Copa del Rey remaining and in addition phases different worldwide video games.

“By no means [received payments],” Rubiales mentioned. “The cash in my accounts is the product of my work and my financial savings.”

Former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué’s sports activities leisure firm, Kosmos, was concerned within the cope with the federation and Saudi Arabia.

“It was Kosmos that introduced Saudi Arabia [offer],” Rubiales mentioned. “We selected the higher provide.

“The Qatar possibility was by no means a proposal. I’ve not acquired a bribe from Piqué. He has neither provided me something nor have I taken something.”

Prosecutors opened a probe of that deal in 2022 following leaked audio between Rubiales and Piqué relating to commissions.

Spanish police just lately raided a property belonging to Rubiales in Granada whereas he was within the Dominican Republic in addition to the places of work of the RFEF in Madrid.

Seven individuals have been arrested earlier than being launched and Rubiales was recognized as one among 5 extra people underneath investigation.

Rubiales can be going through a separate case.

Prosecutors are in search of a 2-1/2-year jail time period for Rubiales for his unsolicited kiss given on the lips to participant Jenni Hermoso following Spain‘s win on the Ladies’s World Cup remaining.

Rubiales, who was pressured to resign in September following the scandal, has denied any wrongdoing.