Former Spanish football head Rubiales detained in corruption probe

Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales was detained for a few hours on Wednesday in connection with a corruption probe relating to contracts during his term.

Rubiales was met by police at Madrid airport upon his return from the Dominican Republic and questioned before being released again.

An official statement was yet to be released but a Guardia Civil spokesman told dpa that the report from broadcaster RTVE was correct.

Rubiales is expected to be questioned by an investigating judge within the next few days.

Under Spanish law, a suspect can be detained for up to 72 hours without an arrest warrant.

Rubiales was already in the Dominican Republic when the Guardia Civil raided RFEF offices and other properties, including Rubiales’s home in Granada in mid-March in connection with a corruption and money laundering investigation into contracts made during his five years as RFEF president.

They are said to include the deal to hold the Spanish Super Cup as a four-team tournament in Saudi Arabia, completed by Rubiales together with businessman and former Barcelona player Gerard Pique.

Rubiales stepped down in September over the women’s World Cup kissing affair, having kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent.

He is under criminal investigation over that incident as well in Spain, and was banned for three years from football activities by the world governing body FIFA.

Rubiales has protested his innocence in both affairs.

(dpa/NAN)

Neuer still absent as Bayern Munich resume training

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was still missing due to injury as Bayern Munich returned to training after a 2-0 home defeat against Borussia Dortmund which ended their hopes for a 12th straight Bundesliga title.

Neuer, 38, suffered an adductor injury two weeks ago which made him miss Germany’s international friendly victories against France and the Netherlands, as well as Saturday’s game against Dortmund where Sven Ulreich deputised.

Bayern next visit mid-table Heidenheim in the league and on Tuesday next week will be at Arsenal for the Champions League quarter-final first leg match.

Read Also: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane Joins Bayern Munich, Ending Trophy-Filled Six Years at Anfield

It remains unclear whether Neuer will be fit to play in Hoffenheim but Bayern definitely expect him back in London in a week. Neuer trained individually last week.

Midfielders Aleksandar Pavlovic and Raphael Guerreiro were back in team training on Tuesday from illness and injury, respectively.

The Dortmund defeat made Bayern slip 13 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen with seven games left. The Champions League could now offer them the most realistic chance to avoid a first season since 2012 without a trophy.

(dpa/NAN)

Super Eagles Goalkeeper Apologizes for 2-1 Defeat in AFCON Final

Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has expressed deep lamentation over the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat at the hands of Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, describing it as a disappointing and frustrating end to their campaign.

He issued a heartfelt apology to Nigerians for the loss, sharing his sentiments on Instagram.

The match saw Nigeria taking an initial lead in the 18th minute with a header from William Troost-Ekong. However, Cote d’Ivoire equalized in the 63rd minute and secured the winning goal in the 87th minute, leading to jubilant celebrations among the hosts and their fans at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

Nwabali, visibly disheartened on the pitch, shared a poignant picture on Instagram accompanied by the caption: “A disappointing and frustrating end. I deeply apologise to Nigerians. I was once a fan, still a fan, and I understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night. We take full responsibility. Thanks for the whole support till the end. I love you all.“

Super Eagles Goalkeeper Apologizes for 2-1 Defeat in AFCON Final