Saudi energy firm nets Women’s World Cup deal
Aramco, an energy company majority-owned by the Saudi “She lied about the transfer fee in her statement.” Jurors had previously heard that Granovskaia had told Alrubie during 2021 that he would receive a commission if Zouma sold for more than €30m.
There is a dispute between the prosecution and the defence regarding the exact value of the Zouma transfer. However, Granovskaia told the court on Tuesday that West Ham paid Chelsea £29m including “add-ons”.
Alrubie said he sent the May 2022 email in order to collect £300,000 in commissions that he believed he was owed on that deal.
His comments about Granovskaia came on a day when he was repeatedly warned by the judge about the manner in which he was answering questions from the witness box, with the defendant frequently telling prosecutor, Arizuna Asante, that his questions were “irrelevant”.
The jury also heard from another football agent, Barry Silkman, who had worked with Alrubie on Zouma’s transfer to West Ham. Silkman said he had been told by West Ham’s largest shareholder that the transfer fee had been €33.9m. “I asked David Sullivan what the deal was and he told me,” he said.
The case continues.
government, has been announced by Fifa as a sponsor of the next Women’s World Cup. The deal with Aramco further strengthens ties between football’s global governing body and the kingdom, which is set to host the 2034 men’s World Cup. Fifa said the deal will run until 2027 and will cover the 2026 men’s World Cup as well as the 2027 women’s tournament.