'In another country I'd have a statue!' - Gerard Pique 'brought to tears' at trial over alleged fraud and corruption

The case revolves around Pique’s company, Kosmos, which played a central role in securing an agreement to relocate the tournament to Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The 37-year-old football icon has been accused of fraudulent business dealings and corruption, with authorities investigating whether he unfairly profited from the contract.

According to Relevo, Kosmos earned more than €10 million (£8m/$11m) in commissions through the agreement, with €1.6m of that sum being paid to Pique himself earlier this year. Also implicated in the case is former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, who faces additional accusations of money laundering. While under questioning, Pique strongly refuted any wrongdoing, insisting that his role as a Barcelona player at the time of the deal had no bearing on the financial compensation he received.

However, according to Sport,Pique did acknowledge that he had personally reached out to Rubiales for assistance in securing his payment after Saudi Arabian authorities initially failed to transfer the agreed funds. In response to controversies surrounding player involvement in business ventures with the federation, the RFEF has since implemented regulations preventing active footballers from engaging in commercial agreements with the governing body.

During his statement, Pique became visibly emotional, with reports stating that he was on the verge of tears while addressing the court. With a trembling voice, the former defender expressed the emotional toll the case has taken on him, stating that the legal battle had caused him "enormous damage" both personally and professionally. He maintained that he had negotiated the best possible contract for the RFEF and insisted that he did not deserve the negative consequences he was facing. In a particularly striking comment, Pique suggested that his contributions to football were being overlooked, saying, "In another country, I would have a statue."

Documents further reveal that the agreement stipulated it was "essential" for the RFEF to guarantee an annual commission of €4m (£3m/$4m) - a clause that has raised legal concerns. Rubiales and former interim RFEF president Pedro Rocha are also set to provide their testimonies.

As proceedings continue, Pique’s legal team will seek to clear his name, arguing that all transactions were conducted transparently and within legal frameworks. However, the court’s final ruling could have significant implications for both Pique and the RFEF, particularly in light of recent efforts to reform governance and financial oversight within Spanish football.