Spanish authorities at the moment are investigating international financial institution accounts linked with each Gerard Pique and Luis Rubiales. Pique beforehand starred in central protection for Barcelona between 2008 and 2022. Rubiales was formally the president of the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) and one among UEFA’s vice presidents. Nonetheless, the official was pressured to step down following the kissing scandal involving Jenni Hermoso.
It was revealed earlier within the week that Spanish prosecutors have been wanting into Pique and Rubiales on potential corruption costs. These alleged offenses pertain to the relocation of the Spanish Tremendous Cup. The annual competitors is at present contested by 4 of the highest groups in Spain. This contains the winners and runners-up of LaLiga and the Copa del Rey. Whereas the event is traditionally held in Spain, it was moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020.
Within the latest investigation, officers searched numerous buildings for proof within the case. This inquiry then led to the arrest of seven individuals. A kind of to be detained was Rubiales. The previous RFEF chief was apprehended quickly after arriving in Spain from the Dominican Republic.
Decide orders investigation on financial institution accounts linked with potential corruption
Following the search, it was then revealed on Friday that financial institution accounts and information have been being examined. In line with the Europa Press, an organization linked with Rubiales transferred over $600,000 to the Dominican Republic. That is significantly attention-grabbing contemplating the previous soccer government was arrested after flying again from the Caribbean nation.
A decide in command of the continuing investigation, Delia Rodrigo, ordered the examination of 132 completely different financial institution accounts. Of those accounts, 96 of them are reportedly within the identify of Pique. Rubiales owns the remaining 36 accounts. In all, these numerous open accounts are with 15 completely different banks.
Rodrigo known as on a full transcript of those financial institution accounts starting earlier than the official settlement to maneuver the Spanish Tremendous Cup to the Center East. “All actions recorded in these accounts – steadiness, revenue, and funds – since January 1st, 2018 till receipt of this order or till its deadline,” stated the decide.
Information broke that, in 2019, Saudi Arabia was paying RFEF to host the Spanish Tremendous Cup. The unique deal reportedly value the Saudi authorities over $40 million yearly in a three-year settlement.
Extra former RFEF officers are additionally underneath the microscope
The information supply’s report says that an organization “whose major associate is Rubiales” despatched two separate funds to a Dominican outfit Francisco Javier Martin Alcaide runs. Alcaide, higher often called Nene, is a detailed pal of Rubiales. These two transfers occurred in late 2023 and totaled the beforehand talked about $600,000.
The courtroom requested further monetary info concerning Pique and his corporations. Spanish authorities are reportedly sifting by way of a collection of the previous star’s financial institution paperwork between 2018 to 2022. Pique owns almost 30 whole corporations.
Pique and Rubiales, nevertheless, usually are not the one Spanish soccer officers underneath investigation. Authorities are additionally monitoring a number of different former RFEF officers, together with Tomas Gonzalez Cueto. Cueto was beforehand the group’s commissioner of exterior management.
PHOTOS: IMAGO
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