Just In! Spanish FA president Villar, His Son Arrested In Anti-corruption Operation

An anti-corruption operation, ordered by Spain’s National High Court, has led to the arrests of Spanish FA president Angel Maria Villar and of his son Gorka, amongst others.

Judge Santiago Pedraz was supervising the situation, while Spanish police carried out the arrests on Tuesday morning.

The development has been confirmed to Efe by sources from the High Court, while MARCA has learned that Villar was arrested at around 08:00 CET by Unidad Central Operativa – Central Operative Unit – agents.

Also arrested is Juan Padron, the economic vice-president of the Spanish FA, while many more are expected.

Searches have also been carried out at the national federation’s headquarters, at the Tenrife federation headquarters and at various private offices.

The alleged crimes include improper management, falsifying documents, private corruption, misappropriation and possible asset stripping, all in relation with Spain national team friendlies.

One of those matches being looked at is that of Spain vs South Korea, which took place in Austria last June 1 and which may have benefitted those being investigated, to the detriment of the Spanish FA.

Favoured treatment from Villar towards regional directors, using Spanish FA funds, is also believed to be one factor of the investigation.

He is alleged to have sought favours to help with his recent re-election as president of the country’s football federation.

This development comes just two days before the federation’s AGM, which was scheduled for Thursday.