RFEF President Angel Maria Villar has been fined €23,150 for a lack of cooperation with Michael Garcia’s investigation into FIFA corruption – but escapes a ban.
According to FIFA’s Independent Ethics Committee, chaired by Hans-Joachim Eckert, the perceived leniency of the Spaniard’s punishment is because he “did eventually express his commitment to work and demonstrated a willingness to cooperate”.
Nonetheless, the committee adds he “did not behave according to the general rules of conduct applicable to football leaders”.
Villar has been promoted to interim UEFA chief following Michel Platini’s 90-day ban and his position as the highest-ranking Vice-President, while he has also been appointed as the head of the Organising Committee for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
FIFA’s decision also gives UEFA welcome respite as Villar is allowed to continue undertaking his role in what is a turbulent period for European football’s governing body.
