Gerard Pique is being questioned in a judicial investigation concerning a deal that allowed the Spanish Super Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia. The inquiry focuses on potential corruption and money laundering tied to contracts made with the Saudi government. Pique denies any wrongdoing, while the case remains ongoing as the judge deliberates on its future.
Gerard Pique, the former defender of FC Barcelona, is currently under judicial scrutiny regarding a business arrangement that enabled the Spanish Super Cup to be hosted in Saudi Arabia. His questioning by authorities is part of a broader investigation into allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to this deal, initiated by Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, in 2019.
This investigation has uncovered that the Spanish football federation and the Saudi Arabian government signed contracts in 2019 and 2020, establishing a decade-long agreement to host the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia at a rate of 40 million euros annually. Additionally, Pique’s sports entertainment company, Kosmos, was set to receive an annual commission of 4 million euros while he was still an active player.
Having recently retired from professional soccer, Pique continues to assert his innocence regarding the allegations against him. The prosecutors initiated this inquiry in 2022 after revealing leaked audio conversations between Rubiales and Pique that discussed large commission payments.
Rubiales has also denied any wrongdoing in this matter, having been questioned by judicial authorities in April 2024. Following these developments, Pique was placed under investigation in May, while the case remains in its investigative stage, where the judge will eventually determine whether to dismiss it or advance it to trial. Notably, Rubiales faced a conviction for sexual assault in the prior month, related to an incident involving Spain’s player Jennifer Hermoso at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The ongoing investigation into Gerard Pique related to the Spanish Super Cup’s business deal highlights significant concerns over potential corruption and money laundering in sports negotiations. As judicial proceedings progress, both Pique and Luis Rubiales maintain their innocence amid serious allegations. The outcome of this inquiry may redefine elements of accountability in football administration, especially regarding financial agreements.
Original Source: www.news18.com
