Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta's companies accused of $600,000 fraud in Peru

According to Dutch newspaper Telegraaf, the lawsuit targets Never Say Never Barcelona and its subsidiary Never Say Never Sudamerica. Iniesta co-owns the companies, which organize entertainment events in Spain and South America.

The lawsuit alleges that the Peruvian businesses sponsored a series of events that Iniesta's companies had planned to organize. However, the events allegedly never took place, and the companies have failed to repay approximately US$600,000 in sponsorship funds.

Andres Iniesta celebrates the winning goal for Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal against Chelsea in 2009. Photo by Instagram/@andresiniesta8

The Peruvian prosecutor's office is reportedly investigating the claims, which could lead to criminal charges. The filing alleges that Iniesta used his personal reputation to attract financing for the ventures. Iniesta has not yet responded to the allegations.

Iniesta, 41, is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders and players of all time. He won 30 titles with Barcelona, including four Champions League and nine La Liga trophies. With the Spain national team, he won three major tournaments: Euro 2008, Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup, where he scored the winning goal in the final.

Iniesta retired from professional football in 2024. His personal fortune is estimated to be around $120 million, derived from his playing career as well as advertising and his commercial business activities.