Rubiales: FIFA had asked the RFEF to take away the Braithwaite law, but LaLiga said no LaLiga Barcelona allowed to sign outside of window

President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales has admitted that FIFA had asked for the rule that allowed Barcelona to sign Martin Braithwaite to be taken away.

Leganes have been left without their top striker after Barcelona, allowed to bring in an emergency forward due to injuries to their own, paid his release clause outside of the transfer window.

"We have to explain everything that is going on," Rubiales said.

"In 2016, the Federation asked the [National Sports Council] to take away the rule and if it remains valid it's because LaLiga opposed it.

"We're going to present a petition so that it disappears. We're hoping that LaLiga don't oppose it. It's not fair.

"FIFA urged us to do it and therefore we're asking for it to be taken away."

Iker Casillas declared his candidacy for this year's presidential elections at the RFEF and Rubiales admitted he'd been in contact with his competitor.

"I'm talking about the work of the RFEF, of what I do," Rubiales said about the elections.

"When the date arrives, people will have to evaluate what the RFEF have done and what the others want to bring.

"I'm not speaking about the others. I'm in daily contact with the world of football. I'm a convinced democrat.

"A call from Casillas? It was a message. I can't say much else. You have to speak to him about that. I respect everyone. I'm polite and I responded to him."