Rafael Louzán Leads RFEF Institutional Activities in Galicia

One of the most memorable moments of Spain’s stay in Galicia came before kick-off at the Riazor Stadium, when the Royal Bagpipe Band of the Provincial Council of Ourense performed the Spanish national anthem on the pitch. The occasion formed part of the team’s farewell fixture against Iraq, which brought to a close the first stage of its World Cup preparations.

The President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, travelled to A Coruña on Thursday alongside the players and coaching staff, joining the squad for the match at Deportivo de La Coruña’s home ground before accompanying the delegation to Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport, from where Spain departed for the United States.

During his time in Galicia, Louzán fulfilled an extensive institutional agenda. He met with his Iraqi counterpart, Younis Mahmoud, and paid tribute to several legendary figures from Spain’s footballing history, presenting each of them with a personalised shirt identical to the one the national team will wear during the World Cup.

Later on Thursday, the RFEF President attended the headquarters of Spanish clothing company elPulpo in central A Coruña, where he formalised an agreement strengthening the Federation’s relationship with the brand. Led by José Antonio Chacón, the company has recently launched a new collection featuring members of the Spanish National Team.

Community and social initiatives also played a prominent role throughout the visit. Representatives from various charitable organisations and inclusive football programmes met with the squad and presented star-shaped messages of support for the players. These messages will be displayed at Spain’s World Cup base camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, throughout the tournament.

The international friendly against Iraq once again featured a sensory box for spectators with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory sensitivities, made possible through the collaboration of Autism Spain. In addition, live audio commentary was provided for visually impaired supporters through the RFEF’s dedicated commentary application.

The team’s departure from Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport on Friday morning provided an emotional conclusion to Spain’s stay in Galicia. As the national team embarked on its journey to the United States, the Iberia aircraft carrying the squad bore a message that captured the hopes of the nation:

“A team takes off. A country soars.”