Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is currently being investigated for alleged illegal payments related to the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. The investigation, which is being conducted by Judge Delia Rodrigo, centers on a €40 million “success bonus” that Pique’s company, Kosmos, was set to receive as part of a 10-year contract signed with the Saudi government-owned Sela Sport Company.
The switch of the annual fixtures to Saudi Arabia in 2020 is now part of a corruption probe. The deal was agreed while Pique was still playing for Barcelona and documents show that Kosmos would receive an additional €4 million per year. Pique retired from playing in 2022 and has since been involved in revamping tennis’ Davis Cup and launching the King’s League seven-a-side soccer competition in Spain and Latin America.
Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, who resigned amid allegations of misconduct, was arrested by police in April as part of the corruption probe. The investigation has since been expanded to include Rubiales’ successor, Pedro Rocha. The scandal has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the Spanish Football Federation and its dealings with external entities.
