Gerard Pique has been put under investigation for corruption by a Spanish court over his alleged role in a deal that saw the Spanish Super Cup moved to Saudi Arabia.
Kosmos, a company owned by Pique, entered into an agreement with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) which would see it get €40 million for arranging the deal.
The Spanish Football Federation will also reportedly in turn receive a huge sum of €400 million.
Judge Delia Rodrigo expressed there could be something fishy with the deal, stating that there were “possible illegalities with criminal implications” in the agreements.
Gerard Pique Under Investigation Over Allegations Of Corruption
Gerard Pique has now been formally added to a group of individuals being investigated for the alleged issues.
The former Manchester United man has always defended the deal, denying any wrongdoing and maintaining that it was “legal”.
Ex-Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales And Gerard Pique Conversations Leaked
Moreover, the matter has been under investigation since 2022 when audio recordings of Pique and ex-Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales were leaked.
The offices of the governing body of football in Spain were raided by investigators in March 2024 and Rubiales was arrested in April 2024.
Luis Rubiales defended the legality of the contract before he was apprehended when returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic.
The 46-year-old had already relinquished his position as president of the Spanish Football Federation when he was arrested.
Rubiales stepped down from the hot seat in September 2023 following intense criticisms which he received after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso at the end of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England.
Luis Rubiales had initially been adamant about quitting the role, but he had no choice but to leave the seat after receiving massive bashing from the public.
Rubiales was also banned by FIFA from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years in October 2023.
He appealed against the ban, but the governing body of football dismissed the appeal and subsequently confirmed the sanction imposed upon the Spaniard.
Luis Rubiales is also still facing trial for sexual assault over the issue between him and Hermoso.
Current Spanish Football Federation President Also Roped In It
Pedro Rocha succeeded Rubiales permanently in April 2024, having previously served as president on an interim basis.
The 69-year-old is also being investigated for his alleged involvement in the Saudi deal.
Additionally, the Spanish Super Cup was moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020, and it was also played in the Asian nation in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pique featured on two different occasions for Barcelona in Spanish Super Cups held in Saudi Arabia, before deciding to call time on his professional career in November 2022.
Gerard Pique made 667 club career appearances, scoring 58 goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Pique made 102 appearances for Spain, scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists.
Gerard Pique won several trophies in his stellar career, including; 1 FIFA World Cup, 1 European Championship, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles.
