Prosecutors want 15 years for ex-Spanish football president Villar

Spain’s public prosecutor’s office is seeking a 15.5-year prison term for former Spanish football federation president Ángel María Villar, accusing him of corruption and embezzlement. According to the indictment, contracts arranged by Villar between 2007 and 2017 defrauded the federation of more than $4.84 million.

Eight individuals are implicated in the case, including Villar’s son, Gorka, for whom the prosecution is requesting a seven-year sentence, as well as former RFEF vice president Juan Padrón. Villar was suspended from his position in 2017 amid allegations tied to what has been dubbed the Soule case, ending his 29-year tenure at the helm of the federation.

In the indictment obtained by AFP on Thursday, Villar faces charges of embezzlement, business corruption, misappropriation of funds, and document forgery. Prosecutors allege that the former president, along with his son, profited from arranging friendly matches for the Spanish national team, creating contracts that benefitted them financially.

Authorities claim that Villar deliberately selected certain opponents for Spain, taking advantage of the national team’s soaring reputation following their successes in the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The matches in question include friendlies against South Korea, Chile, Venezuela, Peru, and Colombia, which were orchestrated to enhance Villar and his son’s financial gain.

After Villar’s suspension, Luis Rubiales took over as president but resigned in disgrace in 2023 following a scandal involving the forcible kiss of Women’s World Cup player Jenni Hermoso during a tumultuous period for the federation. Pedro Rocha briefly assumed leadership before being suspended for overstepping his authority, paving the way for Rafael Louzán to be elected as the new RFEF president in December 2024.