Spanish Court Probes Pique’s Role in Saudi Super Cup Deal

Spanish court is officially investigating former Barcelona and Manchester United defender Gerard Pique for his alleged role in moving the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. Pique’s company, Kosmos, signed agreements with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to broker the deal, receiving €40 million (£34 million) while the RFEF received €400 million (£340 million). Judge Delia Rodrigo highlighted “possible illegalities with criminal implications” in these agreements.

Investigators have now formally included Pique, 37, among those being investigated. He consistently defends the deal’s legality and denies any wrongdoing. The investigation began in 2022 after leaked audio recordings of Pique and then-RFEF president Luis Rubiales emerged. In March, investigators raided RFEF offices and arrested Rubiales in April upon his return from the Dominican Republic.

Rubiales had already resigned from the RFEF in September following a separate incident involving Spain forward Jenni Hermoso for which he faces a trial for sexual assault. Investigators are also scrutinizing Pedro Rocha, Rubiales’ successor, over the Saudi deal. The Spanish Super Cup first took place in Saudi Arabia in 2020 and returned there in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pique participated in two Spanish Super Cups held in Saudi Arabia, showcasing his skills on an international stage. He continued his professional football career until retiring in November 2022.