Spain's Supreme Court Overturns RFEF Chief's Malfeasance Conviction

Rafael Louzan remains president of Spain's soccer federation after the court annulled his seven-year public office ban.

The Spanish Supreme Court cleared Rafael Louzan, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), of malfeasance charges related to a 2011 soccer field renovation project.
Louzan's initial conviction by a lower court in 2022 included a seven-year ban from public office, which the Supreme Court overturned, citing no evidence of corrupt intent.
Louzan was elected RFEF president in December 2024, despite the pending appeal, following years of leadership turmoil within the organization.
The RFEF has faced significant scandals, with Louzan's predecessors, including Luis Rubiales, stepping down due to legal controversies; Rubiales is currently on trial for sexual assault and coercion allegations.
Spain's government had indicated it would seek new RFEF elections if Louzan's conviction had been upheld, but the court's decision allows him to continue leading the federation as Spain prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.