MADRID (AP) – Sevilla, Villarreal and Valencia are demanding an apology from the president of the Spanish football federation after he reportedly said in leaked text messages that those clubs are his least favourites.
The alleged messages sent by Luis Rubiales were disclosed on Tuesday by El Confidential newspaper.
The clubs issued a joint statement to “condemn the gross disrespect shown by the President”.
“The conversation, in which he speaks with such contempt, animosity and arrogance towards the three clubs, is unacceptable to a person who holds such responsibility and who has to equally protect the interests of all clubs in Spanish football.” should,” the clubs said.
They added that they are “concerned by the possible consequences that their attitude could have for clubs, as their behavior is not conducive to transparency within the competition.”
The clubs urged Rubiales to “keep things right and publicly apologize to the three clubs and their fans”.
The federation did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rubiales and the federation have not made any public statements about the clubs’ demands.
UEFA vice-president Rubiales is leading Spain and Portugal’s joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
The outspoken officer is known to be a fanatic and is often involved in controversies.
Audio released earlier by El Confidential showed Rubials and former Spain defender Gerard Pique reportedly negotiating details of a lucrative deal to move the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. Both have denied any foul play in the conversation.
Rubiales last month denied allegations by a former employee that federation funds went to pay for a party with “young women” and hired a detective to investigate the head of Spain’s players’ union.
The federation has also been accused of probing journalists, and shortly after taking over the presidency, Rubiales fired the men’s national team coach Julen Lopetegui just days before the 2018 World Cup because Lopetegui told Federation officials earlier. Got a job with Real Madrid without telling me. ,
He recently got into a dispute with players of the women’s national team and often got into an altercation with Spanish league president Javier Tebas.
Rubiales is a former player and head of the Spanish players’ union.
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