Madrid (Spain), Mar 14 (LaPresse/AP) – Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué was questioned by a judge in Madrid as part of the investigation into the business deal that led to the organisation of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. The investigation concerns, in particular, an alleged case of corruption and money laundering involving, among others, Luis Rubiales, in 2019 president of the Spanish football federation. According to the Madrid court, the federation and Saudi Arabia signed contracts in 2019 and 2020 to seal a 10-year agreement to organise the mini football tournament in the Middle Eastern nation for 40 million euros per year. A further €4 million a year was to be paid as a commission to Piqué's sports entertainment company, Kosmos, while the former defender was still playing for Barcelona and participating in the Super Cup. However, Piqué denied any wrongdoing. Prosecutors opened an investigation into that deal in 2022 after audio leaks between Rubiales and Piqué concerning millions of euros in commissions.Rubiales denied any wrongdoing when questioned by the judge in April 2024. Piqué was investigated the following month. The case is still under investigation. The magistrate may decide to file it or request an indictment.
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