Complaint filed against Valencian president over World Cup final travel
El Salto
- The association 'Transparencia en el Deporte' has filed a criminal complaint against the Valencian regional president, Pérez Llorca, regarding his trip to the soccer World Cup final.
- While Llorca claimed he paid for expenses out-of-pocket, reports suggest the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) provided him with a high-value ticket.
- The legal filing alleges crimes of improper passive bribery and active bribery, demanding an investigation into whether the gift was tied to his public office.
Key Allegations
- Financial Discrepancy: Tickets for the final ranged from $4,185 to $8,680, with last-minute market prices reaching tens of thousands of euros, far exceeding customary courtesy limits.
- Conflict of Interest: The Generalitat Valenciana provides €90,000 in funding to the RFEF, and both leaders have been involved in joint public acts regarding Valencia’s bid to host future World Cup matches.
- Procedural Questions: The complaint seeks to determine if the invitation followed objective protocols or was a personalized favor linked to the official's institutional position.
Targeted Parties and Witnesses
- Defendants: Includes the Valencian regional president, the RFEF, and the RFEF cabinet chief.
- Requested Witnesses: RFEF President Rafael Louzán, regional communication secretary Vicente Ordaz, and La Nucía mayor Bernabé Cano, a close associate of Llorca who accompanied him to the event.
- Background: The complaint was filed by the same group that previously brought legal action against former RFEF president Luis Rubiales.