Supreme Court Overturns Disqualification of RFEF President Rafael Louzán
The Supreme Court of Spain has made a significant decision to annul the seven-year disqualification sentence imposed on Rafael Louzán, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and former president of the Provincial Council of Pontevedra. This ruling comes in relation to a past case concerning the allocation of an €86,311 subsidy for the renovation of a football field in Moraña, Pontevedra. The court's decision followed an appeal hearing on Wednesday, where the judges determined that the original conviction for administrative prevarication was unfounded.
In context, the previous ruling had raised concerns about the potential impact on Louzán's leadership within the RFEF. Government spokesperson and Minister of Sports, Pilar Alegría, had previously indicated that should the Supreme Court uphold the disqualification, it could lead to elections being called within the federation. However, the Court has now cleared not only Louzán but also the former Director of Infrastructure of the Provincial Council, along with an administrator and a representative of the construction company involved, all of whom had received identical sentences.
The Supreme Court's ruling also shed light on the judicial reasoning behind the annulment. The court found that the evidentiary basis for administrative prevarication did not exist in this situation. The judges noted that the facts presented did not constitute arbitrary decision-making that leads to an unjust outcome. Specifically, they clarified that the contracting administration was obligated to compensate for the work completed, which was a key factor in their conclusion.
This ruling signifies a crucial turn in Louzán's legal battles and potentially stabilizes his presidency within the RFEF. As he currently holds the position since December 16, 2024, the Supreme Court is yet to assess the possible disqualification of his successor, which adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation.
The legal landscape surrounding Louzán serves as a reminder of the intertwined nature of sports governance and judicial oversight in Spain, highlighting the intricate balance between accountability and administrative obligations. This decision may not only have implications for Louzán's leadership but could also set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
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