Rafael Louzán Elected President of RFEF Amid Controversy Over Misconduct Conviction
Rafael Louzán has been elected as the new President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), securing a significant majority with 70 votes in the election held on Monday. Despite his recent conviction for misconduct, Louzán received a total of 90 votes in favor against his opponent, Salvador Gomar, following the withdrawal of another candidate, Sergio Merchán, shortly before the voting commenced.
The election assembly experienced some delays, starting half an hour late as the required number of members were initially absent. Out of the 141 eligible voters, 138 attended, including various representatives from regional federations, clubs, players, referees, and coaches.
Born on November 21, 1967, in Ribadumia, Louzán has been at the forefront of the Galician Football Federation since 2014. His political trajectory began in 1995 when he was elected deputy in the Pontevedra Provincial Council, leading to his presidency in 2003. Louzán's approach has often been praised for fostering consensus and unity, particularly evidenced during his recent reelection campaign under the banner 'United for Football.'
However, his election comes with significant controversy. Louzán faces a pending disqualification stemming from a conviction related to his time as president of the Pontevedra Provincial Council, where he improperly allocated €93,000 in subsidies for football field improvements that were largely completed prior to his term. This looming disqualification could pose challenges for Louzán during his presidency, potentially engulfing the RFEF in legal conflicts if the conviction stands.
Despite these challenges, Louzán remains optimistic about his legal situation, expressing faith in the Supreme Court's handling of his appeal. 'I have blind faith in the resolution of this case and I am very calm,' he stated in a recent interview. He expressed confidence that the court will rule favorably on the appeal, indicating that the incident occurred over a decade ago and emphasizing his commitment to justice.
In a related development, the Court has denied the former RFEF president's attempts to overturn his disqualification, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding the federation's leadership.
As Louzán embarks on his new role, the RFEF faces an uncertain future laden with potential legal hurdles and the imperative for transparency and governance improvement within its ranks.
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