Spanish football clubs slam Rubiales over leaked texts

MADRID, Oct 11: Sevilla, Villarreal and Valencia are demanding an apology from the president of the Spanish soccer federation after he allegedly said in leaked text messages that those clubs are his least favorite.
The alleged messages sent by Luis Rubiales were revealed Tuesday by the newspaper El Confidencial.
The clubs released a joint statement to “condemn the gross disrespect shown by the president.”
“The conversations, in which he speaks with such contempt, animosity and arrogance toward the three clubs, are unacceptable coming from a person who holds a position of such responsibility and who must safeguard the interests of all the clubs in Spanish football equally,” the clubs said.
They said they are concerned with the “possible consequences that his attitude could have for the clubs, as his behavior is not conducive to transparency within the competition.” The clubs urged Rubiales to “put things right and publicly apologize to the three clubs and their fans.”
The federation did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rubiales and the federation have not made any public statements about the clubs’ demands.
Rubiales, a UEFA vice-president, is leading Spain and Portugal’s joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup. (AP)