Former Argentine player Nico Pareja, known for his time at Sevilla FC and RCD Espanyol, was forced to go to the Alcalá de Guadaíra courts last Tuesday after receiving a complaint for alleged illegal electricity connection in his home. The case, which is being processed in the Civil and Investigation Section of the local Court of Instance, focuses on an alleged crime of electricity fraud, with a possible maximum penalty of ten months of fine.
According to the newspaper ABC, the accusation arises from a claim filed by a neighbor of the luxury urbanization where Pareja's house is located, located near the Ciudad Deportiva del Sevilla and the Real Club Sevilla Golf. The judge has called an oral hearing to determine the veracity of the allegations and decide whether the accusation proceeds.
Pareja has explained that the irregular installation was on the outside of the house and that it was carried out before he acquired the property. According to his version, the connection was discovered after he moved and was immediately completely corrected. The former planter, who currently works as a television commentator on the DAZN network, has declared that the measure was taken immediately and without the intention of defrauding the electricity company.
During the hearing, the Prosecutor's Office requested a sentence of ten months of fine, within the maximum range of sanctions established for this type of minor crime. The judge, for his part, has indicated that the final decision will depend on the evaluation of the evidence presented and the veracity of the testimonies of both parties. The process will continue in the Civil and Instruction Section, where it will be analyzed whether the irregular connection constitutes a crime or simply an administrative infraction.
Pareja's case has generated some interest among football fans and followers, since the former player has maintained an active presence in the sports media after his retirement. Meanwhile, the footballer's defense has assured that the situation has been resolved responsibly and that there was no intention to avoid paying for the electricity. The next step will be the evidentiary hearing, where the documents and testimonies that will determine the final result of the process will be presented.