The Spanish Super Cup has traditionally been played between the winner of the league and the cup in Spain.

But in 2019, it was announced that the competition would be expanded to four teams, and decided in Saudi Arabia.

Paid almost a quarter of a billion

Today, in the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, parts of how the deal went are revealed.

It turns out, through audio recordings and leaked documents, that the president of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, and the Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (who is also the founder and chairman of the investment company Kosmos Holding, which trades in broadcasting rights) together pressured the Saudi authorities to money for the transaction to be completed.

In total, the Saudi Arabian regime must have paid 24 million euros (just over 248 million kronor) to arrange the Super Cup.

Pique's suggestions

The documents also reveal how Rubiales must have agreed to pay Pique around EUR 6 million (over SEK 60 million) for the deal, and will in the agreements try to hide Pique's involvement.

Among other things, according to El Confidencial's article, it was Pique who suggested that the tournament be expanded to four teams, in order to increase the tournament's commercial value.

"Thanks for everything"

In an audio recording, which El Confidencial includes in its reporting, it becomes clear what an important role Pique played in the deal.

- The deal with Saudi Arabia has been signed.

Thanks for everything.

I'm here for whatever you need.

Big hug.

Take care of yourself, Rubiales says in the conversation.

Has not been commented on

There are also conversations that show that it must have been Pique who was the driving force, as Rubiales was hesitant to complete the deal.

But then Pique gives suggestions on how the money can be divided, and is clear in his call to Rubiales.

- Rubi, I understand your point.

But think about it.

If everyone sees that you were about to do it, but then pulled out, then they will use it against you, says Pique.

Neither Pique nor Rubiales have commented on the information.