History of Luis Rubiales in Timeline
Luis Rubiales is a former Spanish football official and professional player who played as a defender. He served as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and a UEFA vice-president. His career was overshadowed by a scandal involving Jennifer Hermoso at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final, leading to his resignation and a three-year ban from football activities. In April 2024, Rubiales was arrested in Madrid amidst a corruption investigation regarding the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.
1937: Copa de la España Libre
In 1937, Copa de la España Libre was won by Levante FC. In March 2023 the RFEF recognized the winners of the Copa de la España Libre winners Levante FC, now replaced by Levante UD, as the equivalent of winning the Copa del Rey.
August 1977: Luis Rubiales Born
In August 1977, Luis Manuel Rubiales Béjar was born. He is a former Spanish football official and professional player.
August 2004: Debut in La Liga
In August 2004, Rubiales made his debut in La Liga, coming on as a late substitute in a 1–1 away draw against Real Sociedad.
2006: Promotion to La Liga
In 2006, Rubiales gained promotion to La Liga with Levante.
August 2009: Joins Hamilton Academical
In August 2009, Rubiales agreed to a one-year deal with Scottish Premier League side Hamilton Academical.
March 2010: Elected President of AFE
In March 2010, Rubiales was elected president of the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE).
November 2017: Quits AFE Presidency
In November 2017, Rubiales quit his post as president of the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) to run for office at the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
May 2018: Elected RFEF President
In May 2018, Rubiales was elected as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
September 2018: Criticism of Javier Tebas
In September 2018, Rubiales criticized the Spanish League president Javier Tebas for signing a contract to play matches in the United States without the Spanish Federation's approval.
2018: Dismissal of Julen Lopetegui
In 2018, Rubiales dismissed Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish national men's team head coach, on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
2018: Alleged Misuse of Resources
In 2018, according to accusations made in 2022 by Juan Rubiales, Luis Rubiales allegedly used federation resources for his personal enjoyment, such as a trip to New York with a Mexican painter.
2019: Negotiations with Gerard Piqué
In 2019, Rubiales negotiated with Gerard Piqué regarding commissions related to playing the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia, according to leaked audio files published in April 2022.
2020: Alleged Private Parties
In 2020, according to accusations made in 2022 by Juan Rubiales, Luis Rubiales allegedly spent RFEF money on private parties with friends in Salobreña.
2021: Rubiales' Salary Details
In 2021, Rubiales' salary reached US $688,462.06 (€634,518.19).
April 2022: Supercopa Files Leaked
In April 2022, the Spanish digital newspaper El Confidencial published leaked documents and audio files regarding negotiations between Rubiales and Gerard Piqué about playing the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia, referred to as Supercopa Files.
December 2022: Lawsuit Against Wikipedia
In December 2022, Rubiales filed a lawsuit against Wikipedia, demanding the removal of content on the Spanish Wikipedia that might be seen as damaging to his honor.
2022: Accusations from Juan Rubiales
In 2022, Rubiales' uncle, Juan Rubiales, accused Luis Rubiales of embezzlement of RFEF money and using federation resources for personal enjoyment.
March 2023: Recognition of 1937 Copa de la España Libre Winners
In March 2023, the RFEF, under Rubiales, recognized the 1937 Copa de la España Libre winners Levante FC (now Levante UD) as equivalent to Copa del Rey winners. He handed the trophy to Levante's captain on March 31.
August 2023: Friendly Football Event Cancelled
In August 2023, a friendly football event named Amigos de Luis Rubiales ("Luis Rubiales' Friends") was planned in Motril to support Rubiales. However, the Ayuntamiento of Motril cancelled the event by refusing to lease the venue due to concerns about potential public disturbances.
August 2023: Kissing Jennifer Hermoso
In August 2023, after Spain won the Women's World Cup, Rubiales kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation, sparking controversy. He also made comments about celebrating their wedding in Ibiza.
August 2023: Complaint Filed and Player Boycott
In August 2023, the Spanish government filed a complaint against Rubiales in the Sports Administrative Court for "serious misconduct", seeking his suspension. Also that day, 81 players, including all 23 members of the World Cup-winning squad, announced a boycott of the national team until changes in the RFEF leadership occurred.
August 2023: FIFA Suspends Rubiales
On August 26, 2023, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days. The committee also directed him and the RFEF to refrain from contacting Hermoso directly or indirectly.
October 2023: FIFA Banned Rubiales
On October 30, 2023, Rubiales was banned by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee from engaging in any football-related activities at both national and international level for a period of three years.
November 2023: Spanish Ban and Investigation
On November 17, 2023, the legal panel that oversees sports in Spain issued a similar three year ban, preventing Rubiales from being employed with the sport while in Spain. Also, a Spanish judge began investigating Rubiales for sexual assault accusations made by Hermoso.
December 2023: FIFA Report Accuses Rubiales of Inappropriate Touching
On 6 December 2023, a FIFA report accused Rubiales of inappropriately touching two English football players and three additional Spanish football players during the World Cup night. Debbie Hewitt's testimony was key in these accusations, prompting denials and criticisms from Rubiales, which FIFA rejected.
April 2024: Rubiales Arrested in Madrid
On 3 April 2024, Rubiales was arrested by officials in Madrid upon his arrival from the Dominican Republic.
April 2024: Arrested in Corruption Investigation
On April 3, 2024, Luis Rubiales was arrested in Madrid as part of a corruption investigation regarding the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.
February 2025: Rubiales to Face Trial in Madrid
In February 2025, it was revealed that Rubiales would face trial in Madrid over the kissing incident.
