Gomar’s Life Has Been Intertwined With Football Since Childhood
Salvador Gomar Fayos, the president of the Valencian Football Federation, has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Despite being considered the underdog against Rafael Louzán, the favoured candidate, Gomar is optimistic about securing the votes needed to succeed Pedro Rocha. In an exclusive interview with El Confidencial, Gomar shared insights into his journey, vision for Spanish football, and the challenges he faces in this high-stakes electoral race.
Gomar’s life has been intertwined with football since childhood. His father, Salvador Gomar Asturiano, was a manager at Valencia CF during the 1970s and 80s, a period that allowed young Salvador to rub shoulders with club legends like Mario Kempes. Gomar’s early involvement with the sport extended beyond the stands, as he played in Valencia’s youth categories before pursuing a career in sports law. “Football has always been a part of my life,” he said. “It shaped who I am today.”
Since joining the Valencian Football Federation in 2016 as general secretary, Gomar has worked tirelessly to improve grassroots football. In 2018, he became the federation’s president, a role in which he’s built a reputation for being approachable and solutions-oriented. Now, he’s eyeing the top job at Las Rozas, determined to bring “greater stability and common sense” to the RFEF.
A Tough Election Battle
Gomar faces stiff competition from Louzán, a seasoned candidate with significant backing. However, Gomar’s campaign, themed Let’s Talk About Football, focuses on reforming the federation and ensuring transparency. “I’m here to talk about football and how we can make it better,” he emphasized.
When asked about the election dynamics, Gomar admitted to receiving indirect threats. “Yes, there have been personal circumstances through third parties,” he revealed, though he refrained from elaborating further. “Dirty play shouldn’t be necessary to win,” he added, stressing his commitment to running an ethical campaign.
Gomar’s strategy relies on securing support from the assembly members by highlighting his track record and presenting concrete proposals. “I’ve shared my program with the assembly members and invited them to ask questions. It’s about earning their trust through dialogue,” he explained.
Reforming the Federation
A key pillar of Gomar’s vision is fostering collaboration with LaLiga and other football bodies. “There must be coordination agreements. Problems should be resolved at the table, not elsewhere,” he stated. Gomar also advocates for a balanced approach to the RFEF’s finances and greater transparency in its operations.
When questioned about allegations regarding workplace harassment filed against him, Gomar clarified that the case had been provisionally archived. “Let them dig up whatever they want; I’m not concerned,” he said, confidently dismissing any insinuations of misconduct.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Gomar aims to ensure Spain’s successful hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a milestone he sees as critical for Spanish football. “We’ll fight to host the final at Santiago Bernabéu,” he promised.
Despite the odds, Gomar remains undeterred. “I’m optimistic. I have a program that addresses what the federation needs, and I believe the assembly members will see its value,” he said.
As the election date approaches, Gomar’s candidacy has emerged as a testament to resilience and determination. Whether he secures the presidency or not, his campaign has already sparked important conversations about the future of Spanish football—conversations that he hopes will lead to meaningful change.