Gerard Pique is under investigation regarding the deal that allowed the Spanish Super Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia. The inquiry focuses on potential corruption and money laundering linked to contracts established in 2019 and 2020, which also involved substantial commissions to Pique’s company. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Pique’s situation reflects broader issues within Spanish football governance.
Gerard Pique, the former Barcelona defender, is currently under investigation related to the business deal that enabled the Spanish Super Cup to take place in Saudi Arabia. He was questioned by a judge as part of an inquiry examining allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to a lucrative agreement made by Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, in 2019.
The Madrid court disclosed that contracts were signed in 2019 and 2020 between the federation and Saudi Arabia, establishing a ten-year agreement to host the tournament in exchange for 40 million euros annually. Furthermore, Pique’s sports entertainment firm, Kosmos, was to receive an additional four million euros per year as commission during his tenure as a player for Barcelona and while participating in the Super Cup.
Pique, who has retired from professional football, has denied any wrongdoing. The investigation commenced in 2022, sparked by leaked audio involving Rubiales and Pique discussing substantial commission payments. Rubiales has also claimed he did nothing wrong during his questioning by the judge.
As of May 2024, Pique was placed under investigation following Rubiales’ inquiry, and the case remains in the investigatory phase. The judge will ultimately decide whether to drop the case or advance it to trial. Notably, Rubiales was recently convicted for sexual assault after an incident involving Spain player Jennifer Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup.
Gerard Pique is being investigated for his involvement in a controversial deal that brought the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering linked to contracts signed between the football federation and Saudi Arabia. Despite Pique’s denial of any wrongdoing, the investigation, which remains ongoing, has significant implications for both Pique and Rubiales, the former federation president, who recently faced convictions in a separate legal matter.
Original Source: www.news18.com
