RFEF overhauls statutes to strengthen transparency, good governance

Madrid, Feb 9 (EFE).- The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is set to approve a major statutory reform aimed at reinforcing responsibility, transparency, and good governance.

RFEF President Rafael Louzán will present the restructuring plan to the General Assembly on Monday, marking the first meeting since his election on December 16.

The Assembly, convening at the Football City of Las Rozas, will vote on aligning the federation’s statutes with current regulations, incorporating principles of ability, pluralism, and sustainability.

Among the key amendments is a clause expressly prohibiting any commercial relationship between the federation and an active player competing in RFEF-organized tournaments.

This rule was added in response to scrutiny over the RFEF’s contract with a company owned by former Barcelona player Gerard Piqué, which secured the hosting rights for the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia until 2029.

Strengthening Governance and Oversight
Following last year’s statutory revisions and the adoption of a good governance code, the new regulations will introduce whistleblowing channels with anonymity protections, stricter obligations for RFEF managers, and updated hiring policies.

The assembly will also deliberate on the federation’s 2025 budget and the ratification of the president’s remuneration.

In May 2022, amid an ongoing judicial probe into potential irregularities under former president Luis Rubiales, the assembly approved a fixed salary structure for the federation chief, set at €675,716.87 gross (€371,669.03 net) per year, without performance-based bonuses from sponsorships.

The president’s housing allowance was also reduced to €3,000 gross (€1,650 net) per month.

Following Rubiales’ resignation, interim president Pedro Rocha retained the same compensation model in December 2023, though the housing allowance was removed from the statutes.

Louzán’s Early Moves as President
Since taking office, Louzán has initiated several key changes, including a meeting with clubs and referees to discuss structural reforms, the contract renewal of national coach Luis de la Fuente until 2028, and the appointment of lawyer Reyes Bellver as director of women’s football.

His 31-member board of directors now includes LaLiga President Javier Tebas, Liga F President Beatriz Álvarez, and Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) President David Aganzo—signaling a shift toward broader representation in RFEF leadership. EFE

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