Andorra la VellaThe administrative rise of theFC Andorraowned by Gerard Piquein Second Division B in 2019 is back at the center of the controversy following the statements of Victor de Aldamaex-president of Zamora CF, in the framework of the Koldo case, which investigates alleged irregularities and bribes linked to the management of sports institutions. According to Aldama, the then president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubialesprioritized the Andorran club in front of other applicants to occupy the position left by CF Reus for financial reasons and related interests.
Aldama’s accusations at FC Andorra
In his statement before the National Court, Aldama related that he turned to the ministerial advisor Koldo Garcia to manage the possible promotion of his team, Zamora CF, to Segona B. However, the place was awarded to FC Andorra, a club that competed in Primera Catalana, a category below that of Zamora. Aldama described Rubiales’ decision as “unfair” and “driven by economic interests”, assuring that the cost of the square was around 400,000 euros.
according to The Newspaper, door knock also revealed that Rubiales offered him to organize matches of the women’s selection and the under-21 in Zamora as compensation, a proposal that he rejected. “What they have done is incomprehensible and can only be understood when scandals like that of the Super Cup with Saudi Arabia“he stated door knock.
The rise of the tricolors took place in a context of controversy. The club, acquired by Gerard Pique in 2018, he had made a strong financial investment and had shown an active interest in moving up a category. The decision of the RFEF, however, was appealed by the club association ProLiga, which considered that the place was not awarded in accordance with sporting criteria.
Impulse and controversies for the FC Andorra project
Despite the initial controversy, the ascent was a great boost for the project of theFC Andorrawho since then has continued his progression in Spanish professional football. However, the new details of the Rubiales case and the revelations of the hidden negotiations call into question the transparency of the sports institutions involved and once again place Andorra in the focus of controversies in the world of football.
This new episode highlights the ethical challenges and the lack of clear regulation in administrative promotion processes, which can end up benefiting the clubs with more financial muscle or institutional influence.