Gerard Pique is being questioned in a judicial investigation linked to the deal that moved the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, revealing potential corruption involving contracts signed by Luis Rubiales. The contracts ensure substantial annual payments to the Spanish Football Federation and commissions to Pique’s company, Kosmos. The probe, initiated in 2022, continues as Rubiales faces separate legal issues.
Gerard Pique, the former Barcelona defender, is being investigated in a judicial case concerning a deal that moved the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. This inquiry aims to scrutinize potential corruption and money laundering arising from a business agreement made by Luis Rubiales, the ex-president of the Spanish Football Federation, in 2019.
A court in Madrid revealed that contracts were signed in 2019 and 2020, establishing a 10-year arrangement for the tournament to be hosted in Saudi Arabia, worth 40 million euros per year. An additional commission of 4 million euros annually was allocated to Pique’s sports entertainment firm, Kosmos, during his playing career with Barcelona.
Since his retirement from soccer, Pique has maintained his innocence regarding any misconduct connected to this deal. Prosecutors initiated their investigation in 2022 after audio recordings surfaced that suggested financial impropriety involving Rubiales and Pique concerning commissions.
Rubiales has denied any illegal actions during his own questioning by the judge in April 2024. Following this, Pique came under scrutiny in May, and the investigation continues without reaching a conclusion as to whether it will proceed to trial or be disregarded. Rubiales was recently convicted for assault after an incident involving Spain player Jennifer Hermoso.
Gerard Pique is currently under investigation for his connection to the deal that facilitated the Spanish Super Cup’s relocation to Saudi Arabia, alongside allegations of corruption and money laundering. The judicial probe highlights the financial arrangements made by Luis Rubiales and the implications of Pique’s involvement through his company, Kosmos. With the investigation still ongoing, the outcome remains uncertain, especially after Rubiales’s recent conviction for unrelated offenses.
Original Source: www.news18.com
