Rubiales denies 'financial relationship' between Spanish federation and Pique

Luis Rubiales, has denied paying commissions to Kosmos, the events company founded by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, as part of the Spanish Super Cup's move to Saudi Arabia. Rubiales has been accused of a conflict of interest after the Spanish website El Confidencial reported the federation negotiated a 24-million-euro ($26 million) fee to be paid to Pique's Kosmos in return for six tournaments in Saudi Arabia. The Spanish Super Cup was first played in Saudi Arabia in 2019 as part of a 10-year-agreement struck by the federation, despite opposition due to the country's human rights record.

Pique answered questions from journalists on Twitch on Monday night after Barcelona's surprise defeat by Cadiz, which Pique missed through injury. "Everything we've done at Kosmos and what I've done on a personal basis is not something that I hide, it's something that I feel proud of," Pique said. Rubiales then held a press conference on Wednesday to address the issue.

"When Kosmos came to us with the possibility of doing business, they were clearly told that they would not have a financial relationship with the federation," said Rubiales. "If there was to be any commission, Kosmos would have it from Saudi Arabia, so the federation has not paid, does not pay and will not pay a single euro of commission to anyone for this operation. "All the media, even the one that published this agreement, agree that it is legal," added Rubiales.

In one of the leaked audio messages, Pique asked Rubiales for "help" in his bid to be selected for the Spain squad for the 2020 Olympics. "Don't expect me to change," said Rubiales. "I will always have a relationship with players.