Spain’s market regulator has fined former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué €200,000 for executing an insider trading deal while sidelined with an injury in 2021.
Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) called the move a “very serious” market abuse offence on Monday. Regulators found that Gerard Piqué, while injured at Barcelona, bought 104,166 shares in Aspy Global Services on January 20, 2021.
A tip from businessman Francisco José Elías Navarro alerted him to an incoming €223 million bid from Atrys Health. After the public announcement sent shares soaring 20%, Piqué exited with a €50,000 profit. Elías was separately fined €100,000 for “unlawful disclosure.” Both men retain the right to appeal. The case mirrors rising global scrutiny of athletes; golfer Phil Mickelson previously repaid $931,000 in a similar probe, while stars like Tom Brady face lawsuits over the FTX collapse. Piqué’s penalty highlights a widening list of sports icons whose off-field finances draw sharp regulatory action.
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