Sports
Spanish Football Federation Faces Corruption Investigation
Police have searched the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in Madrid as part of a corruption investigation.
The operation is part of a wider investigation linked to alleged corruption in business, improper management of assets and money laundering, the prosecutor said.
Police were carrying out 11 searches on unspecified locations across Spain.
The prosecutor expected seven people to be arrested.
Spain’s national men’s team trained on a pitch adjoining the headquarters of the Spanish Soccer Federation as the search was carried out on Wednesday.
Spain play Colombia today in a friendly at West Ham’s London Stadium.
Meanwhile, RFEF staff were barred from entering the headquarters.
A source at the RFEF reportedly disclosed that the home of former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales in Andalucia was being searched.
Rubiales resigned last September following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony.
Both Hermoso and Rubiales, along with colleagues, have given testimony to the investigating judge, who has recommended the case proceed to trial.
In a different development, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has suffered another serious knee injury, just as he was edging closer to a return from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
The Belgium international, 31, has had surgery after tearing the meniscus in his right knee in training.
He ruptured the ACL in his left knee in August and has not played this season.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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