In Madrid on February 6, Spain's Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of Rafael Louzan, the newly appointed president of the scandal-plagued Spanish soccer federation (RFEF), on charges of malfeasance and a seven-year ban. This decision spares the RFEF from further humiliation and the necessity of a new election.
Louzan, who had been convicted by a lower court in December, was cleared of wrongdoing after a tumultuous period within the football governing body following the ousting of its former chief and his associate.
The Supreme Court, which took up Louzan's appeal before his election, announced on Thursday the annulment of the lower court's ruling that prohibited Louzan from holding public office for seven years due to irregularities in a 2011 contract to upgrade a football field in Morana, a city in northwestern Spain.
The court determined that the actions of awarding a new subsidy for unforeseen improvements did not constitute malfeasance since the public authorities were obligated to compensate for the completed works.
In light of the Supreme Court's decision, the Spanish government halted plans for new elections in the soccer federation if Louzan's conviction had been upheld.
Louzan, overseeing the RFEF as Spain prepares to co-host the upcoming event, expressed his belief in justice, pointing out that it took 14 years for him to be vindicated. Nonetheless, he stated, "I'm content."
This ruling coincides with legal proceedings against Louzan's predecessor Rubiales in Madrid, where he faces accusations of sexual misconduct toward player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women's World Cup awards ceremony in Australia. Rubiales denies the charges of sexual assault and coercion. His actions have sparked a nationwide conversation regarding gender equality in sports.