Spanish Football Chief Luis Rubiales investigated in match fixing claims

The President of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) Luis Rubiales will be investigated as part of wider probe into corruption in La Liga.

Following reports at the back end of the 2018-19 season, of irregular betting patterns in games involving Valencia CF, Huesca, Nastic and Real Valladolid, the so-called Operation Oikos has been launched.

According to reports in Marca this weekend, the investigation's lead judge Angel de Pedro has drafted a 1000 word dossier on the case, with Rubiales been looked at for his potential role.

Rubiales is not directly being investigated for betting activity, but for a wider irregularity that has been uncovered by the investigation.

He is being looked into by the Spanish police and judicial system, amid other allegations that he was involved in an unofficial deal between sports author Jose Antonio Marin (Peton), former Huesca club president Agustin Lasaosa and ex Aragonese Football Federation (FAF) president Oscar Fle.

According to preliminary documents from the investigation, there is a claim that 'Peton' agreed to write a book on the history of the RFEF, in exchange for Fle being granted a contract for improvements to Huesca ground – under the tenure of Lasaosa.

The allegation is that this agreement was not officially ratified by the RFEF, and in turn by Rubiales, who allowed the deal to to be unofficially agreed. 

So far, Peton has been the only individual contacted regarding the allegations – which he has denied.

"A new pitch was promised to Huesca by the RFEF four years ago.

"But despite promises, it was never constructed.

"Rubiales also spoke with me via telephone, and he confirmed he was aware of the offer, but that they did not have the budget for it.

"The suggestion that the FAF was given preferential treatment over the Huesca project, by the RFEF, is wrong."

Tags Luis Rubiales RFEF
La Liga - Club News