By Ramiro Diaz
The world of football is reeling from the news that the Spanish Court of Instruction number 5 in Granada has launched an investigation into alleged business corruption and influence peddling involving such high-profile figures as Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, and Luis Rubiales.
It all began on April 2, 2020, at the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the global football community faced an unprecedented crisis. According to reports from The Objective, a phone call between Luis Rubiales, then president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and Gerard Pique, FC Barcelona player, set in motion a series of events that now have these three prominent individuals in the eye of the storm.
In that conversation, Rubiales allegedly obtained authorization from Lionel Messi to explore solutions with UEFA regarding the significant salary reductions that Barcelona players were facing due to the pandemic. It's worth recalling that the Catalan club had proposed that its players refuse 70% of their income payments as a measure to mitigate the economic crisis stemming from the health situation.
The judicial investigation is focused on determining whether Messi, Pique, and Rubiales may have engaged in business corruption and influence peddling. There are suspicions that they may have used their influence and privileged positions to obtain illicit financial gains in the context of negotiating the salary reductions for Barcelona players.
The Objective suggests that there are indications that Rubiales may have acted in collusion with Messi and Pique to divert funds from UEFA towards certain players, with the aim of compensating for the salary losses suffered due to the pandemic.
The investigation also points to the possible involvement of UEFA in this corruption scheme. There are suspicions that Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, may have been aware of Rubiales' maneuvers and given his approval for the diversion of funds.
If UEFA's involvement is confirmed, the scandal could reach even greater proportions and damage the organization's image worldwide.
The news of the judicial investigation has sent shockwaves through the world of football. Players, coaches, executives, and fans have expressed their surprise and outrage at the seriousness of the accusations.
Many have demanded that the investigation go to the bottom of the matter and that those responsible be punished if their guilt is confirmed. Others, however, have preferred to exercise caution and wait for the judiciary to pronounce judgment before making any assessments.
The judicial investigation has placed Messi, Pique, and Rubiales in a precarious situation. Their reputations and credibility are in question, and they could face serious legal consequences if the alleged crimes are proven.
For Messi and Pique, this scandal could mark the end of their sporting careers. Their public image has been tarnished, and their future in the world of football is uncertain.
Rubiales, for his part, is already out of the RFEF following the scandal of the non-consensual kiss with Jenni Hermoso. This new judicial investigation could permanently remove him from the world of football and lead him to face criminal charges.
This corruption scandal shakes the foundations of Spanish football and calls into question the integrity of its institutions and most representative figures. The image of Spanish football internationally has been seriously affected, and a joint effort will be needed to regain the trust of fans and clear the name of this sport.
The judicial investigation is ongoing, and new details about this corruption case that has rocked the world of football are expected to emerge in the coming weeks or months.
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