Carlos Barrabés's contract to create an APP for 'digital habits and culture'

The Higher Sports Council (CSD) awarded a contract of 3.6 million euros to Innova Next, a company owned by Juan Carlos Barrabés. The objective was to develop an application to promote digital habits and culture in the sports field. This contract was financed with European funds and processed urgently.

The Government justified the urgency of the contract by arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the sports industry. The contract was divided into two lots, one of which was awarded to Innova Next.

The UCO registered the CSD offices to collect documentation related to this contract. Investigators detected irregularities, such as the absence of the bid opening report. This report is essential to ensure transparency in public awards.

The Government has defended that the contract followed the usual administrative procedure. It noted that reports were made by external bodies and the General State Comptroller. Additionally, it was published on the State Contracting Platform and in the Official State Gazette.

However, a businessman reported possible irregularities in the awarding process to the CSD. He claimed that the deadline for submitting bids established by law was not met. He also expressed suspicions that the contract was aimed at favoring Barrabés.

The company Innova Next proposed a training platform in digital habits and culture aimed at the sports ecosystem. It included federations, high-performance centers, sports associations, and elite athletes.

The program included recorded classes and interactive content. Attendance was voluntary, and no exams were required.

The relationship between Juan Carlos Barrabés and Begoña Gómez, the wife of the Prime Minister, has been a focus of attention. Barrabés promoted the chair that Gómez directs at the Complutense University of Madrid. Additionally, Gómez signed letters of recommendation for Barrabés's company in 2020.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating this and other contracts awarded to Barrabés's company. The objective is to determine if there were irregularities in the use of European funds. The investigation focuses on possible crimes of business corruption and influence peddling.

The contract awarded to Innova Next has caused controversy due to possible irregularities in the awarding process. The ongoing investigation seeks to clarify whether there were criminal behaviors in the granting of this contract financed with European funds.

The competent authorities continue to investigate to ensure transparency and legality in the use of public funds.

The investigation also covers other contracts awarded to Barrabés's company by public entities. It seeks to determine if there was a pattern of irregularities in the awarding of contracts financed with European funds.

The Government has reiterated that all procedures were carried out in accordance with current regulations. It has expressed its willingness to cooperate with ongoing investigations to clarify the facts.