“Louis, friend and captain of our ship”

The only candidate for the presidency of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Pedro Rocha, tried to distance himself from his predecessor Luis Rubiales. So much so that during his appearance before the judge investigating alleged RFEF abuses last week, he assured that the relationship he had was with Rubiales was “proper and professional”. However, Confidentially And Target made public this Wednesday a series of messages between Rubiales and Rocha, which indicate that they had a friendship and even that the former president of the federation appointed Rocha as vice-president and kept him in charge of the RFEF after his resignation as a result of a dispute over a kiss with Jennifer Hermoso , for which the prosecutor’s office asks Rubiales for 2 years and 6 months in prison.

“I love you friend”

WhatsApp correspondence between Rubiales and Rocha began in 2016, where they asked about the family, shared secrets and revelations. They even said several times that they loved each other, although they clarified that “no fagots.” There are numerous reports indicating that Rocha acted as a confidant of Rubiales at key moments in his election campaign. One of them dates back to April 26, 2018, when Rocha WhatsApped the former RFEF president to explain that Juan Luis Larrea – then RFEF president – ​​had traveled to San Sebastian to attend the judges’ dinner. with the intention of asking them to vote. “I agree. You all let me know. “We need to take a photo.”

Rubiales responded. “Perfect,” Rocha said. It was only some time later that Rubiales insisted that Rocha take a photograph of Larrea with the judges. “See if you can do it and send it to me please. Or a video.” And he added: “Let Victoriano be seen,” referring to the president of the Technical Committee of Judges for more than two decades, Victoriano Sánchez Arminio. Rocha finally managed to take a photo, and the next day he sent it to Rubiales, adding: “Hunting!!!” Rubiales celebrated the event and asked for it to be shared. “It is important that this be the rule for all members of the congregation. Fine? Hugs!

On May 17, 2018, Rubiales became president of the RFEF, receiving 80 votes compared to Larrea’s 56 votes. One of his first decisions in office was to appoint Rocha as vice president and fire Sánchez Arminio to replace Carlos Velasco Carballo. Just a few days later, he shared a photo of his second hug. “I love this photo,” Rubiales wrote. “Me too, MY FRIEND,” Rocha replied. Their relationship grew stronger over time. In February 2019, they both start talking about ending the match in which they will “win 5-0”. In particular, the semi-final of the women’s European Futsal Championship, in which the Spanish team will beat Russia. “We’ll win the final,” says Rubiales, “let’s go for it,” Rocha replies. Finally, the Spanish team manages to win 4-0 in host country Portugal to lift the title. Rubiales, in high spirits, writes again to his friend, who was a professional futsal player and for many years served as director of the sport at the RFEF. “I’m happy. For you and for myself, friend Pedro. Congratulations. I love you friend”.

In March of that year, Rubiales traveled to Badajoz to inaugurate the new facilities of the Extremadura Football Federation and present several awards. Messages also appear at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, namely on March 25, 2020, when Rocha wrote to Rubiales: “Louis, friend, companion and captain of our ship. What unfavorable situations you had to overcome! And in each of them, you have demonstrated outstanding integrity and professionalism. Now, in these historic and exceptional moments, you are once again on the front line, and I know for sure that you are a leader well prepared for these adversities. I consider myself a friend I can send you so much more strength and support for you, your family and everything you carry in your professional backpack. Well done Louis, never forget that you have me and FEX. (Federation of Extremadura) with you. We will get through this with your leadership, as always. Hugs to Louis.” The then RFEF President responded: “You make me cry, Pedro. Huge kiss!!

Even as shown Target There are conversations of a personal nature, and the former president asks Rocha about his mother, who was ill: “Here is a friend for everything you need, and If you want me to come see you or anything, tell me.“That is, Rubiales, who lives in Madrid, was ready to visit Rocha in Caceres.

Rocha, subject of investigation by RFEF

The chancellor’s nominee was scheduled to testify as a witness last week, but a judge interrupted his testimony and changed his status to under investigation. His answers were evasive and he always tried to distance himself from Rubiales, even declaring that he did not know the reason why he appointed him. The prosecutor and the judge did not believe his testimony, and Rocha left the court as a defendant. Now the Supreme Sports Council (SSC) could disqualify him this Wednesday as a precautionary measure after a complaint about exceeding his duties.