Joan Soteras Vigo (Sabadell, 1948), president of the Catalan Football Federation and vice-president of the Spanish Federation, has been living between Barcelona and Madrid for 11 days. After a few days of reflection, Soteras, who applauded Rubiales on Friday, answers the call of La Vanguardia from Las Rozas. He acknowledges certain errors in the management of the Hermoso case.
How would you define the assembly in which Rubiales announced that he would not resign?
The assembly was amazing. We were all very surprised. We went there with the conviction that Rubiales would resign.
Did he not communicate his decision to you?
He called us to the boardroom earlier. He told us that he could not tell us his decision, but he did put on the table the name of the person who would replace him if he did not continue.
Pedro Rocha?
Yes. And we immediately thought that if he named his relief, it was because there would be a public resignation.
But there was none and many applauded him. You too…
I applauded him at times, like 90% of the assembly. But I didn’t applaud when he said he wouldn’t resign. Not because I thought I had to, but because I knew it would bring us trouble. But the days pass. And I know I was wrong not to call for his resignation.
What made you change your mind?
See the images, reflect and think. You can’t give an opinion when it’s hot. FIFA’s decision also made me think, as did the CSD.
The territorial presidents are asking for his resignation. Wasn’t it easier to start a motion of no confidence?
We do not rule it out, neither then nor now. But a motion must be worked on, thought about and endorsed by at least 21 people. And the person presenting it must also know that he is running as an alternative to be the next president. All this is not done in an afternoon. Next week we will meet again, and if Mr. Rubiales has not resigned, it could be considered.
When will there be elections?
Pedro Rocha is the president and one of his functions is to call elections. But it must do so within the regulations. In other words, you must ask for permission from the CSD. If not, they cannot be called until after the 2024 Olympic Games. We need to work in this direction. We need a date.
Rocha is the chosen one of Rubiales, can you assure that they do not work together?
He is my friend, a good professional. And I insist that right now he has no contact with Rubiales, just like the rest of the presidents.
Do you think that progress can be made without structural changes?
If I were the interim president I would not touch the structure. It is the next president who has to decide who he wants. Another thing is the changes that must be made in the sports area.
Do you mean the selectors Jorge Vilda and Luis de la Fuente?
De la Fuente has no reason not to continue. And I think that in order to applaud you don’t have to judge either of them. There was a lot of pressure. But I do think that Vilda has to go. It has been one of the focuses of controversy all this time. He won the World Cup and I think it’s time for him to go.
If Vilda is the focus of the controversy, it means that there have been more incidents…
I know that 15 players decided not to be called up. And we suppose that the players are not so capricious about who they want and who they don’t. They will have their reasons, although I insist that no one has explained them to me. They don’t have to, because I’m not part of the sports commission.
Are you worried about Spain’s bid for the 2030 World Cup?
We have given a sorry picture. But we cannot allow the organization of this World Cup to slip away. We have an advantage. It would not only be organized by Spain. Also Morocco and Portugal. If Rubiales resigns, everything will be easier.
What would you say to Rubiales right now?
That so far he has been a very good president of the Federation. In five years, the budget has gone from 130 million to 400 million. But if he wants to be a good ex-president now, he has to resign.
And the players?
They are world champions. That this must continue and that from the RFEF we will start to change things so that there is equality. I apologize for everything that has been seen these days.
Let’s talk about the Catalan Federation, will there be parity on your board?
I can’t throw out 15 people to put 15 women in. But when a new board arrives I’m in favor of it being regulated.
The Government has asked for your resignation. What answer do you give him?
I have sent a letter to the president so that he can know the work we are doing at the FCF, especially with women’s football. I want to establish common lines of work so that women have more presence in all areas. But I will not resign. Catalan football chooses me, not the Government. And I haven’t killed anyone.
