Former Barcelona player implicated in corruption and money laundering scandal shaking Spanish football. According to Marca, the Central Operating Unit (UCO) and the Civil Guard have conducted searches at the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, seizing numerous important documents today (March 20).
“Agents were dispatched to investigate crimes of corruption in business, unfair management, and money laundering through opaque contracts over the past 5 years,” reported the Spanish newspaper.
Eleven searches of private residences were organized by the Civil Guard, leading to the temporary detention of 7 individuals, including a former legal advisor to the Spanish Football Federation.
The Civil Guard also searched the private residence of former president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, but only managed to seize documents. Meanwhile, Rubiales has left the country and is currently residing in the Dominican Republic.
Previously, a lower court had initiated an investigation into the contract for the organization of the Super Cup between the Spanish Football Federation and Saudi Arabia signed by Luis Rubiales with businessman Gerard Pique. Specifically, through the company Kosmos Global Holding owned by Pique, Rubiales planned to illicitly profit tens of millions of euros annually.
Furthermore, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation has been accused of using public funds for personal expenses (renting houses, traveling, etc.) during his tenure.
The entire affair stems from a complaint filed by the President of the Transparency and Democracy Association in Spanish Sports, Miguel Galan, in May 2022. Galan accused then-President of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, and Gerard Pique of corrupt practices and unlawful business dealings.
Prior to being embroiled in the money laundering and corruption scandal, Rubiales was forced to resign in September 2023 following allegations of sexual harassment involving numerous female national team players during the World Cup final. During Rubiales’ tenure, all women’s football activities in the Iberian Peninsula were halted.