Spain’s Supreme Court has overturned the malfeasance conviction of Rafael Louzan, allowing him to continue serving as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Louzan, who faced a seven-year ban for alleged misconduct involving a football pitch improvement contract in Morana, saw his conviction annulled after the court ruled that his actions did not constitute a crime.
The ruling spares the RFEF from another leadership shakeup, following the scandal involving former president Luis Rubiales, who stepped down amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Speaking on the ruling, Louzan stated, “This decision reaffirms my commitment to Spanish football and to leading the RFEF with integrity and transparency.”
The verdict comes at a crucial time as Spain prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.
With the RFEF aiming to restore its credibility, Louzan's leadership will be under intense scrutiny.
Critics argue that Spanish football’s governing body still faces systemic issues that must be addressed to move forward.
A Spanish sports analyst commented, “While the ruling clears Louzan legally, the RFEF’s reputation remains fragile, and real reform is necessary to regain public trust.”
As the federation moves forward, all eyes will be on Louzan’s ability to rebuild confidence in the organisation and ensure a smooth path to the 2030 World Cup.
Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlán is geared up to make his professional tennis debut at next month's Uruguay Open. The 45-year-old football legend will team up with Argentine player Federico Coria for the doubles event, bringing his competitive spirit to the tennis court in his home country.
An announcement from the tournament organizers excitedly declared: "Attention tennis and sports fans! This year at the Uruguay Open, we have an UNMISSABLE duo in doubles: Argentine tennis player Federico Coria and former Uruguayan football player Diego Forlan."
The Uruguay Open will be played at the Challenger Tour level, the second-highest professional tier in tennis. Coria, who boasts a career-high singles ranking of 49, will be a valuable partner for Forlán as they aim to win the doubles event.
Forlán, a cult hero at Manchester United, is fondly remembered for his impactful moments on the football field. He famously scored both goals in a memorable 2-1 victory against Liverpool in December 2002, followed by a dramatic 90th-minute winner against Chelsea, which helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s team clinch the Premier League title.
Interestingly, Forlán's journey echoes that of his father, who also transitioned from football to tennis after retiring. “My father played football, and after retiring at 41, he took up tennis. That’s why I started playing at the age of two. Everyone knows I dedicated myself to football before returning to this sport as diligently as I now do,” Forlán has shared. Football fans around the world will be very interested to see how the footballing legend gets on.
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