Spanish police raid football federation HQ in corruption probe

Spanish police raided the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in Madrid on Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation, prosecutors said.

The operation is part of a broader investigation targeting unspecified entities linked to allegations of business corruption, asset mismanagement and money laundering, the prosecutor said.

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Police were carrying out a total of 11 searches in unspecified locations across Spain and the prosecutor expected seven people to be arrested.

While the Civil Guard and undercover agents searched the football federation's premises, the Spanish national team trained on the neighboring field. They will face Colombia in a friendly on Friday in London before facing Brazil at the Bernabéu on Tuesday.

During this time, RFEF personnel were barred from entering the building. Media on hand to cover training and interview players were closely monitored as police conducted a search which continued at noon local time.

An RFEF source told Reuters that former President Luis Rubiales' home in Andalusia was also being searched.

Footage showed several Civil Guard officers leaving the apartment in downtown Granada with a cardboard box labeled “Luis Rubiales” as well as several other bags.

Rubiales resigned last year after kissing Jenni Hermoso during celebrations after Spain won the Women's World Cup.

Hermoso and Rubiales, along with their colleagues, testified before the investigating judge, who recommended that the case go to trial.

Rubiales' tenure has been full of controversy, including the shock decision to sack Spain manager Julen Lopetegui two days before the opening match of the 2018 World Cup, and accusations of wrongdoing over a multi-million dollar deal. euros aimed at relocating the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. still under investigation.

Rubiales did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.