Audio By Carbonatix
The head of Spain's soccer federation (RFEF) Angel Maria Villar, a FIFA vice president, was arrested on Tuesday after a raid on several offices in Madrid as part of an anti-corruption investigation, police said.
Villar, his son - named by Spanish media as Gorka - and several other Spanish soccer federation members were detained on allegations of collusion, fraud and embezzlement, the police said in a statement.
Spain's High Court said one of its investigating magistrates and anti-corruption prosecutors were leading the investigation.
The RFEF could not be reached for comment.
Villar, a one-time midfielder for Athletic Bilbao, has been at the head of the federation for nearly 30 years.
He was fined 25,000 Swiss francs ($26,000) last year by FIFA's Ethics Committee for failing to co-operate with an investigation into the contest to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups that triggered the worst crisis in the soccer world governing body's history.

Villar is also a vice-president of UEFA and ran for the presidency of that body last year to replace Frenchman Michel Platini before withdrawing, after being asked to stand for re-election at the RFEF.
FIFA and UEFA said in separate statements they were aware of media reports surrounding Villar but had no further comment.
The investigation into Villar is already several months old and stems from claims raised by the Spanish state's sports body in early 2016, police said.
At least four people were arrested in Tuesday's raids, according to police.
They included another member of the RFEF and an executive from the Tenerife soccer association, who are accused of misappropriating funds and siphoning them off to a company they both manage, police said.
The RFEF is due to hold an assembly on July 20 to approve the match schedule for Spain's next La Liga soccer season, a meeting usually presided over by Villar.
Latest Stories
-
Adom FM’s ‘Strictly Highlife’ lights up La Palm with rhythm and nostalgia in unforgettable experience
2 hours -
Ghana is rising again – Mahama declares
5 hours -
Firefighters subdue blaze at Accra’s Tudu, officials warn of busy fire season ahead
6 hours -
Luv FM’s Family Party In The Park ends in grand style at Rattray park
6 hours -
Mahama targets digital schools, universal healthcare, and food self-sufficiency in 2026
6 hours -
Ghana’s global image boosted by our world-acclaimed reset agenda – Mahama
7 hours -
Full text: Mahama’s New Year message to the nation
7 hours -
The foundation is laid; now we accelerate and expand in 2026 – Mahama
7 hours -
There is no NPP, CPP nor NDC Ghana, only one Ghana – Mahama
7 hours -
Eduwatch praises education financing gains but warns delays, teacher gaps could derail reforms
7 hours -
Kusaal Wikimedians take local language online in 14-day digital campaign
8 hours -
Stop interfering in each other’s roles – Bole-Bamboi MP appeals to traditional rulers for peace
8 hours -
Playback: President Mahama addresses the nation in New Year message
9 hours -
Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union call for strong work ethics, economic participation in 2026 new year message
11 hours -
Crossover Joy: Churches in Ghana welcome 2026 with fire and faith
11 hours
