Rafael Louzan Elected President of Spain's Football Federation
Louzan's election follows a turbulent period for the RFEF, with legal challenges and leadership scandals continuing to cast uncertainty over its future.
- Rafael Louzan, head of the Galician Football Federation, won the RFEF presidency with 90 votes against Salvador Gomar's 43 in a two-way race.
- Louzan's leadership term is set to run until 2028, though his tenure may be cut short due to a pending Supreme Court appeal against a public office ban for malfeasance.
- The RFEF has faced instability since August 2023, beginning with former president Luis Rubiales's forced kiss on player Jenni Hermoso after Spain's Women's World Cup win.
- Rubiales is set to stand trial in February 2025 for sexual assault and coercion, while his successor, Pedro Rocha, was suspended earlier this year for overstepping his authority.
- Spain's men's national team has excelled despite the federation's turmoil, winning Euro 2024, Olympic gold, and preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco.