Former FC Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué appeared in court in Majadahonda, Spain, on March 14, 2025, to testify regarding his company’s involvement in relocating the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. The investigation centers on the agreement facilitated by Piqué’s sports entertainment company, Kosmos, which allegedly secured a €4 million annual commission over a decade for brokering the deal.
During his two-hour testimony, Piqué denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the commissions received by Kosmos were standard for such arrangements. He emphasized that neither he nor his company paid any fees to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) or its former president, Luis Rubiales, to secure the agreement. Piqué maintained that his role was as an intermediary for the Saudi Arabian company Sela, not the RFEF, thereby avoiding any conflict of interest.
The court proceedings are part of a broader investigation into potential corruption and money laundering related to the Super Cup’s move to Saudi Arabia. The deal, initiated in 2019, involved hosting the tournament in the Gulf state for €40 million annually, with Kosmos reportedly receiving a €4 million yearly commission. At the time of the agreement, Piqué was still an active player for FC Barcelona, one of the clubs participating in the competition.
In his defense, Piqué presented invoices totaling over €11 million issued to Sela, aiming to demonstrate the legitimacy of his company’s earnings from the deal. He also highlighted that his involvement led to substantial financial benefits for Spanish football, arguing that without his mediation, the agreement might not have materialized due to existing tensions between the league and the federation.
The investigation also implicates former RFEF presidents Luis Rubiales and Pedro Rocha, focusing on possible offenses including corruption, mismanagement, and money laundering within the federation. The court will assess the evidence presented, including the invoices and testimonies, to determine whether any misconduct occurred.
As the legal proceedings continue, Piqué’s legal team remains committed to clearing his name, emphasizing the legality of the commissions received and the benefits brought to Spanish football through the Super Cup’s relocation.
