The report outlines how the former head of the Federation persuaded FC Barcelona to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Asia, specifically Saudi Arabia, while allegedly masking the commissions involved for a key Barça figure. The narrative, drawn from a major Spanish newspaper, paints a picture of behind the scenes maneuvering aimed at shifting the tournament’s venue and the financial gains tied to that decision.
According to the account, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation offered Barcelona a guaranteed income, claiming the club would receive eight million euros if it agreed to the change of venue to the Asian country. The message, cited in the report, was directed to Óscar Grau, then chief executive of Barcelona, and surfaced three days after the initial signing of the agreement with Saudi Arabia on September 14, 2019. This timeline places the financial assurances at a critical juncture in the negotiations surrounding the venue shift.
The same account alleges a broader plan involving a substantial commission for a prominent player connected to Barça, calculated at 24 million euros for his role in facilitating the Super Cup’s move to Saudi Arabia. The disclosures imply that parts of the deal were intended to occur without the participating clubs fully recognizing the scope of these commissions, raising questions about transparency and governance within the process.
Following the disclosure of the proposed arrangements, Óscar Grau is said to have approved the alteration of the tournament’s location. The published messages describe Grau acknowledging the shift and signaling readiness to proceed with the new format, noting that it would advance the promotion of Spanish football while benefiting the clubs involved. The correspondence also indicates a request for drafting details to be reviewed before finalizing any contract, underscoring the procedural steps taken as the agreement moved forward in the plan.
These allegations come to light amid broader discussions about the commercial priorities and governance of football’s governing bodies. The report frames the events as part of a pattern where strategic decisions about match venues intersect with personal gain and the interests of high-level executives. The implications touch on how such moves might affect competitive balance, fan engagement, and the perceived integrity of the sport at the national level. The allegations have prompted careful scrutiny from media outlets and fans alike, who weigh the potential impact on the reputation of the federation, the club, and the competition itself. (Goal)
Overall, the narrative emphasizes the tension between strategic revenue opportunities and the duty to maintain transparent, fair processes in major football decisions. It highlights how complex negotiations can become when powerful actors chart courses that affect clubs, players, and supporters across regions. The ongoing discussion reflects a larger conversation about governance, accountability, and the role of money in shaping the calendar and venues for flagship competitions. (Goal)
As observers assess the information, questions linger about how such accords were conceived, who stood to gain, and what safeguards exist to prevent any perception of impropriety in the decision-making apparatus of the sport. The unfolding story serves as a case study in the delicate balance between commercial advantage and the ethical responsibilities that accompany leadership positions in football institutions. (Goal)