Investigation into Corruption in Stadium Management
The Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard has uncovered a scandal involving two former senior officials of the Junta de Andalucía, who allegedly participated in the rigging of contracts related to the works at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville. This report, which has been previewed by El Confidencial and accessed by EFE, points to José María Arrabal and David Oviedo, key figures in the management of the sports venue.
According to investigators, Arrabal and Oviedo facilitated connections between the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and a construction company called Gruconsa. These relationships were crucial for carrying out the necessary works to adapt the stadium for competitions such as the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa, as well as to meet the requirements established to host the final phase of UEFA EURO20.
The report details how Arrabal signed the ‘Framework Agreement’ of the Selection Agreement on March 31, 2021, which allowed for significant improvements to be financed at the stadium, including lighting systems and turnstiles. For his part, Oviedo was responsible for signing the justifying reports and award letters to Gruconsa. These documents are considered key pieces within the framework that facilitated the works.
Apart from the contract rigging, it has been discovered that both former officials acquired real estate properties in Málaga and Seville following their involvement in these contracts. It is estimated that each paid around 50,000 euros to reduce their mortgages, which has raised further suspicions about possible illicit economic benefits derived from the scandal.
The UCO has also identified a possible financial triangulation between three companies: Gruconsa, Dismatec Sport SL —linked to businessman Francisco Javier Martín Alcaide— and GC Legal, a law firm led by Tomás González Cueto, a legal advisor close to Luis Rubiales. This network may have facilitated the illegal flow of funds related to the works.
The report was sent to the Investigating Court number 4 of Majadahonda (Madrid) on February 23. Two days later, the judge authorized the UCO to intervene the electronic and computer devices of both Arrabal and Oviedo. This measure aims to clarify the financial details behind the possible illicit economic benefit obtained by both former officials.
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