Former Football Star Faces Legal Scrutiny
Gerard Pique, the former defender for Barcelona and Manchester United, is officially under investigation by a Spanish court. This scrutiny revolves around his involvement in moving the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. Pique’s company, Kosmos, brokered the deal with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), earning 40 million euros (£34 million), while the RFEF secured 400 million euros (£340 million).
Allegations of Illegalities
Judge Delia Rodrigo highlighted potential criminal implications in the agreements. Pique, now 37, has consistently defended the legality of the deal, denying any wrongdoing. This investigation has placed him among several individuals under formal examination for their roles in the arrangement.
Long-Running Investigation
The case began in 2022 after leaked audio recordings of Pique and then-RFEF president Luis Rubiales emerged. These recordings sparked a comprehensive investigation, leading to raids on RFEF offices in March. Rubiales, who also stands by the deal’s legality, was arrested upon returning from the Dominican Republic in April. He had already resigned from the RFEF last September following a controversial incident at the World Cup final.
Impact on Football and Legal Proceedings
The Spanish Super Cup’s relocation to Saudi Arabia occurred in 2020 and resumed in 2022 post-pandemic. Pique participated in the Super Cups held in Saudi Arabia before retiring in November 2022. The legal challenges now faced by both Pique and Rubiales have cast a shadow over these international arrangements.
RFEF Leadership Under Fire
Pedro Rocha, Rubiales’ successor at the RFEF, is also under investigation related to the Saudi deal. This ongoing legal scrutiny continues to raise questions about the transparency and legality of the agreements made under the RFEF’s leadership.
Broader Implications for Spanish Football
As the investigation progresses, it underscores the broader issues of governance and ethics within Spanish football. The outcome of these legal proceedings could have significant repercussions for all involved and may lead to changes in how future international deals are conducted.
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