Former Spanish national team coach appointed to oversee federation

The Spanish government on Tuesday appointed former national team coach Vicente del Bosque as head of a special committee to oversee the football federation (RFEF) until new elections are held, the Sports Minister said. Pilar Alegria.

Del Bosque, 73, who led Spain to the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 titles and Real Madrid to the Champions League triumph in 2000 and 2002, was chosen to head the committee created last week by the government for “its commitment to sport and to its country”.

The RFEF has been embroiled in scandals recently, including a corruption investigation and the widespread fallout from the kiss that former RFEF president Luis Rubiales gave to player Jenni Hermoso at the awards ceremony when Spain won the women’s World Cup in Sydney this year. past.

The government, which is seeking to overcome problems within the RFEF as Spain prepares to host the 2030 World Cup, hopes Del Bosque’s appointment will give the special committee some influence – and some breathing room.

The government said it “expects the RFEF, FIFA and UEFA to collaborate with the committee” that oversees the national federation.

“Del Bosque represents the best that football in our country has to offer, not just because of his sporting successes,” Alegria told reporters. “He is the clearest representation of a good person, of great human quality and an example of honesty. Del Bosque will be the face and representation of Spanish football.”

FIFA and UEFA said last week they were monitoring the situation in Spain with “great concern” after the government took over the RFEF. FIFA regulations state that members must manage their affairs independently and without external influence.

The National Sports Council – the governing body responsible for sport – said the special committee was created as “a constructive response to the reputational crisis that the RFEF has been facing for some time”.

Del Bosque will oversee the RFEF until new elections are called after the 2024 Paris Olympics end in August.

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