Gerard Pique Accused Of Making Millions From Spanish Super Cup's Controversial Move To Saudi Arabia
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been accused of making millions from the Spanish Super Cup's controversial move to Saudi Arabia.
Pique is alleged to have helped broker a deal with Spanish FA (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales to take the competition to the Middle East.
According to The Telegraph, Spanish newspaper El Confidencial allege that the RFEF included two clauses in its contract with the Saudi authorities to ensure Pique's company Kosmos, which he founded in 2018, will receive €4m (£3.3m) for each tournament held in the country over a six-year period, totalling €24m (£19.9m).
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According to the report, the RFEF will earn €40m (£33.1m) for each edition of the Super Cup held in the country.
El Confidencial claim to have access to voice recordings and documents relating to the agreement and have alleged that Rubiales attempted to hide Pique's participation in the deal.
In one of the recordings, Pique allegedly responds to Rubiales' suggestion that Real Madrid wouldn't agree to play outside of Spain for less than €8m (£6.6m).
"If it's about money and [Real Madrid] would go for €8m euros, then they get paid €8m euros and Barcelona get paid €8m too, then the others get paid €2m and €1m," Pique reportedly said.
"That's €19m and you, the federation, keep €6m. We could even push Saudi Arabia for more, saying that if not then Real Madrid might not come.
"Rather than you hosting in it Spain where you won't even make €3m, think about this."
Pique's alleged involvement in the deal could be deemed as a potential conflict of interest, given he remains a player for Barcelona.
It is claimed that Pique didn't charge a commission directly to the RFEF in order to avoid breaching any ethics codes, according to Marca.
Another voice message was allegedly sent from Rubiales to Pique once the deal had been finalised.
"Well done Geri and I'm not talking about your great game and goal yesterday," Rubiales reportedly said.
"I'm referring to the fact that the agreement is signed with Saudi Arabia. Thanks for everything and I'm here for whatever you need."
The message was reportedly sent in September 2019, with the first edition of the tournament in Saudi Arabia held the following January.
Real Madrid won the trophy, with Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Pique's club Barcelona also competing.
The Mirror have reported that a spokesperson for Pique has told El Confidencial that the Barcelona defender did not receive any favourable treatment from Rubiales during the negotiation process for the deal to move the tournament.
The RFEF also issued a public statement on Monday, which read: "The information does not add anything new to what was published in 2019.
“All the numbers of the operation were presented, explained and supported by the Football Assembly."
Topics: Barcelona, Gerard Pique, La Liga, Football
Rory O'Callaghan