Saudi Arabia to host first Supercopa event

Article posted by Coliseum, November 22^nd, 2019

Image: Arup / RFEF / tribuna.com

The next three editions of Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF’s) Supercopa de España will be held in Saudi Arabia.

From 2020, the Supercopa will be a four-team tournament in a change from its current format, which sees the winners of the previous season’s LaLiga and Copa del Rey compete in a two-legged final.

It is reported that Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will be the host venue for the first Supercopa event in Saudi Arabia. However, the same is not confirmed as yet. The competition will be held from January 8-12. The first edition of the new-format tournament will see four teams compete – Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Valencia.

With their sights set on the 2030 FIFA World Cup bid, the Spanish Football Federation hopes the deal with Saudia Arabia will bolster Spain’s chance. The RFEF has said the winter date for the Supercopa will aid teams’ pre-season preparations.

The RFEF has confirmed that women in Saudi Arabia will be allowed to attend the Supercopa matches. The news that women will be allowed access to Saudi Arabia stadiums has been doing the rounds for some time. Last month, female football fans in neighboring Iran snapped up all 3,500 tickets for the men’s national team game against Cambodia. For the last 40 years, Iranian women have been banned from entering football stadia for men’s matches.

A part of the revenue generated from the deal will be used by the RFEF to serve the purpose of non-professional football in Spain.

The Supercopa is the latest major sporting extravaganza to be awarded to Saudi Arabia. This year’s Supercoppa Italiana will also be held in the country. Diriyah will play host to the heavyweight boxing rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr next month.

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