Joan Soteras Vigo (Sabadell, 1948), president of the Catalan Football Federation and vice president of the Spanish Federation, has lived between Barcelona and Madrid for 11 days. After a few days of reflection, Soteras, who applauded Rubiales last Friday, answers the call from La Vanguardia from Las Rozas. He admits 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 terrifying. We were all very surprised. We went with the conviction that Rubiales would resign.
Didn't you tell them your decision?
He quoted us earlier in the boardroom. He told us that he could not communicate his decision to us, but he did put on the table the name of the person who would replace him if he did not continue.
Is Pedro Rocha?
Yes. And we immediately thought that if he named his replacement it was because there would be a public resignation.
But there was not and many applauded him. You too...
I applauded him at times, like 90 percent of the assembly. But I didn't applaud when he said he wasn't going to resign. Not because I thought he should do it, but because he knew it would cause us trouble. But the days go by. And I know that I was wrong not to ask for his resignation.
What has made you change your mind?
See the images, reflect and think. When hot, you can't comment. FIFA's decision also made me reflect, just like the CSD.
The territorial presidents ask for his resignation. Wasn't it easier to start a motion of no confidence?
We do not rule it out, neither that day nor now. But a motion must be worked on, thought out and endorsed by at least 21 people. And whoever presents it should 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 he must do it within the regulations. That is, he must ask the CSD for permission. If not, they cannot be called until after the 2024 Olympic Games. We must work in that direction. We need a date.
Rocha is Rubiales' chosen one, can you ensure 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, like the rest of the presidents.
Do you think that progress can be made without changes in the structure?
If I were the interim president, I would not touch the structure. It is the next president who must decide who he wants. Another thing is the changes that have to be made in the sports area.
Are you referring to the coaches Jorge Vilda and Luis de la Fuente?
De la Fuente has no reason not to continue. And I think that by clapping you don't have to judge either of them. There was a lot of pressure. But I do think Vilda should go. It has been one of the sources of controversy during all this time. She has won the World Cup and I think it's time for her to go.
If Vilda is the focus of the controversy, it means that there have been more incidents...
I know that 15 players decided to declare themselves uncallable. And we assume that the players are not capricious enough to say who they want and who they don't. They will have their reasons, although I insist that no one has explained them to me. Nor should they, because I am not part of the sports commission.
Are you concerned about Spain's candidacy for the 2030 World Cup?
We have given a lamentable image. But we cannot allow the organization of this World Cup to escape us. We have an advantage. Not only would Spain organize it. Also Morocco and Portugal. If Rubiales resigns, everything will be easier.
What would you say to Rubiales right now?
That until now 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 now wants to be a good former president, he must resign.
And the players?
That they are world champions. That this must have continuity and that from the RFEF we will begin 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 in its board?
I can't kick out 15 people to put in 15 women. But when a new board arrives, I am in favor of regulating it.
The Government has asked for his resignation. What answer does he give you?
I have sent a letter to the president so that he can find out about the work we do at FCF, especially with women's football. I want to establish common lines of work so that women have a greater presence in all spheres. But I am not going to resign. Catalan football chooses me, not the Government. And I have not killed anyone.
