The Spanish court has officially launched an investigation into former Barcelona player Gerard Piqué’s alleged involvement in illegal payments related to the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. According to court documents, Judge Delia Rodrigo concluded there were indications of wrongdoing in the agreement between Piqué’s company, Kosmos, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, Sela Sport company owned by the Saudi Arabian government, and Piqué signed an agreement in 2019 where Piqué’s company would receive €40 million annually as a “success bonus” for matches held in Saudi Arabia. Judge Rodrigo stated, “The events being investigated in the current litigation stem from potentially unlawful conduct that may have criminal implications within the contract or agreement.” Piqué has not commented on the matter at this time.

Piqué previously played for Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia. Initially, the Spanish football legend received an annual payment of $4.33 million for six years, which was later extended for an additional four years. Pedro Rocha, then head of RFEF’s economic department, failed to convene an economic committee meeting to analyze the extension agreement. Rocha currently serves as the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

The court investigation began in June 2022 to examine whether former president Rubiales violated management principles when RFEF collaborated with Piqué’s Kosmos company to move the tournament to Saudi Arabia. In March 2024, Spanish police searched the headquarters of RFEF, Rubiales’s apartment, and arrested seven individuals as part of the investigation. Rubiales immediately denied all allegations.