Piqué Under Investigation for Illegalities in the Spanish Super Cup
The judge in charge of the case suspects that Kosmos, a company owned by the former Barcelona player, may have received improper commissions for its role as an intermediary in the agreement signed between the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and a Saudi company.
The Spanish justice system has summoned Gerard Piqué to testify on March 14 as part of an investigation into possible irregularities in the deal that moved the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.
Kosmos’ Role in the Tournament’s Move
The contract signed in 2019, later extended in 2020, guaranteed Piqué’s company an annual commission of €4 million. However, the investigation suggests that these payments may have been part of a scheme involving business corruption or mismanagement. Additionally, at the time the deal was finalized, the former defender was still playing for Barcelona, a club competing in the Super Cup, raising potential conflicts of interest.
Rubiales Also Under Scrutiny
The case also involves Luis Rubiales, former president of the RFEF, who was the main advocate for moving the tournament to Saudi Arabia. Rubiales has repeatedly defended the agreement, claiming that the revenue generated helped strengthen Spanish football. However, the judge has requested information about his bank deposits in Saudi Arabia and has also ordered the freezing of accounts linked to Kosmos Football.
What Will Happen to the Super Cup?
Since its relocation in 2020, the Spanish Super Cup has been played in Saudi Arabia, except for the 2021 edition, which was held in Spain due to the pandemic. The current contract ensures that the tournament will continue in the country until 2029, with a deal worth €320 million. The next edition will take place at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, where a new Spanish champion will be crowned.
A Case That Could Set a Precedent
The court proceedings will determine whether crimes were committed in the negotiation and whether Gerard Piqué and his company unlawfully benefited from the deal. If the allegations are confirmed, the case could set a precedent regarding the involvement of footballers in business dealings, especially in contracts concerning major global competitions.