Gerard Piqué's Company Kosmos Football Under Investigation for Alleged Corruption in Spain

Spanish authorities have ordered the freezing of a bank account belonging to Kosmos Football SL, a company run by former Barcelona player Gerard Piqué, as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and money laundering related to the hosting of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. The probe, codenamed Operacion Brodie, was initiated in 2022 following leaked audio recordings between Piqué and former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales discussing commissions worth millions of dollars.

Kosmos was involved in the controversial deal that relocated the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia in 2020, a move reportedly worth €40 million per tournament for the financially struggling RFEF. Leaked information suggests that Rubiales insisted on a commission of €24 million for Kosmos, with Piqué advising him on negotiations with the Saudis and ensuring the participation of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The investigation has already led to the arrest of Rubiales and other former RFEF executives earlier this month, but no Kosmos executives have been ordered to appear before the judge so far. Kosmos maintains its innocence, stating that it was paid by the Saudi company Sela rather than the RFEF and has cooperated fully with authorities.

Why this matters: The Kosmos case is part of a broader corruption scandal engulfing Spanish football, with far-reaching implications for the sport's governance and financial dealings. It also raises questions about the growing influence of Middle Eastern countries in European football through lucrative hosting deals and sponsorships.

Judge Delia Rodrigo, who is overseeing the investigation, has requested information on 96 accounts in Piqué's name as part of the operation. However, Piqué himself has not been charged in the case. Kosmos has appealed the decision to freeze its bank account, calling the measure "disproportionate" and asserting that there is no evidence of any crime committed by the company or Piqué. "The measure is disproportionate and there is no evidence of any crime committed by the company or Piqué," Kosmos stated, citing a report from the Civil Guard's Organized Crime Unit.

Key Takeaways

• Spanish authorities froze a bank account of Kosmos, Piqué's company, amid corruption probe.
• Kosmos was involved in the controversial deal to host Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
• Probe alleges Kosmos received millions in commissions from RFEF for the Saudi deal.
• Rubiales and other RFEF executives have been arrested, but no Kosmos execs charged yet.
• Kosmos denies wrongdoing, claims it was paid by Saudi company, not RFEF.