LISTEN: Voice memo from Luis Rubiales to UEFA president reveals alleged salary plan with Gerard Pique
The former president of the Real Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales is in the headlines again, after a voice memo sent to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin was published.
In a report from The goal, Rubiales discusses what they say are using UEFA funds that are usually made in solidarity payments to national football federations to be distributed throughout the game, taken from the money that UEFA earns from TV rights agreements and that they amount to about 4% of that. total, to create a solidarity fund to cover the loss of players' salaries during the Covid-19 Pandemic. That money will be used to cover wage cuts.
The conversation they say is from April 2, 2020, a few days after Barcelona proposed a 70% salary cut to the team to face the effects of the pandemic. They say Rubiales spoke with Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, and an hour later he sent the follow-up to Ceferin.
@TheObjective_es have published a voice memo sent by former RFEF president Luis Rubiales to UEFA's Aleksander Ceferin.
He says he has spoken to Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi, while the Objective says he is discussing using UEFA money to cover wages.pic.twitter.com/ZgiOBcW5ot
— Football Spain (@footballespana_) May 21, 2024
They argue to keep the matter confidential, and they say that Lionel Messi has also given his blessing for the plan, but he wants the matter to remain private to avoid becoming a major story.
Several text chains were also released, the former from Rubiales to Ceferin, talking about the importance of having Messi's support.
LR: “When we start again, visit us, and we can announce it with Leo and some players at your side.”
AC: “It's your idea, I've always said so.”
LR: “Sorry! Autocorrect! I'm saying it's important for us to have Messi and the rest with us. No need to put in money. All we do is change the destination, and we continue to give money to youth clubs instead to pay salaries, but not for the rest of the clubs.
A second chain with Pique has also been released, where the Catalan defender says Messi is behind Rubiales' plans.
LR: “That's right… How was your call with Leo?”
GP: “Very well. He is with you on this, and he will help us.”
LR: “We'll go ahead.”
Two days later, they discussed including the salaries of all players, rather than just the main ones.
LR: “Hello president. Have you thought about the idea we are discussing? If you still think we can do it, I think you should say that to Leo Messi, at the right time. He is afraid that someone knows that we will take back the salaries of the big players , but he – and the rest of the players – will be with us. We are the only ones who are aware of that. I wanted to call later.”
“We will also include the salary of the poor players. All together in a big reveal. A very big hug.”
AC: “Good idea. I have a video conference. And at 8 pm another one. Can we talk tomorrow morning?”
There is no evidence of such a plan taking place at the end, but it certainly does not paint any of the four parties in the best light – something that the desire for confidentiality shows that they were aware of. The Objective says there is a potential legal basis for an investigation into influence peddling, but it has not been opened yet.
Rubiales is currently facing two other legal battles, as the RFEF is being investigated for corruption, and is also being prosecuted for sexual assault and coercion in relation to Jenni Hermoso.
