Earlier Barcelona player caught up in fraud investigation in Peru

November 11, 2025 Oliver Obel

Peruvian authorities have opened an inquiry into whether the 41-year-old Spaniard was indirectly involved in a scheme that cost local investors more than $600,000.

The investigation centers on Never Say Never (NSN) Barcelona, a marketing and events company partly owned by Iniesta, and its regional arm NSN South America.

According to the Spanish outlet El Español, which first reported the case and was later cited by Ziare.com, investors say the South American branch received funding for several sports and entertainment events that either collapsed or never happened at all.

Events that never were

Court filings reviewed by El Español mention four planned projects in 2023 — among them the Upa Upa Fest, a friendly match between Cienciano of Peru and Nacional de Quito of Ecuador, a K-pop concert, and a “legends game” featuring former stars from Peru and Spain.

Only one of those events, the Upa Upa Fest, actually took place. Even that one ended badly, leaving unpaid bills and disappointed investors. The others vanished from the calendar, despite extensive promotion that featured Iniesta’s photo and name.

Collapse and consequences

By mid-2024, NSN South America had declared bankruptcy. For many of the backers, that meant their money was gone. Investigators are now examining whether the use of Iniesta’s image in promotional campaigns was authorized — and to what extent he was aware of his company’s dealings in South America.

So far, there is no evidence that Iniesta personally handled any of the disputed transactions, but prosecutors want to establish how much oversight he had over the business.

No comment yet

Iniesta and his representatives have not made any public statements about the case. Requests for comment from Spanish and Peruvian reporters have gone unanswered.

Meanwhile, the Peruvian inquiry continues, with authorities gathering documents and testimony from investors involved.

The situation has drawn attention on both sides of the Atlantic. For a player who once symbolized fair play and humility, the investigation marks an uncomfortable chapter after a glittering career that included the 2010 World Cup–winning goal and four Champions League titles with Barcelona.

Sources: El Español, Ziare.com, Peruvian judicial filings, and regional press coverage.