Spanish Super Cup controversy lingers

REAL MADRID and Barcelona will be among those tussling for the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia this week, amid controversy over a tournament held faraway from home in a country longcondemned for its record on human rights.

Spain’s two most decorated clubs could face off in a Clasico final in Jeddah on Sunday if Real Madrid beat in-form Valencia and Barca can overcome Atletico Madrid in the semis.

Yet the prospect of another showdown between La Liga’s leading pair has been overshadowed by criticism, with lingering concerns about a Spanish competition being played on a different continent, more than 6,400km away.

The financial incentives on offer, both to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who run the competition, and the four clubs taking part are bound to have been persuasive.

For agreeing to participate alone, Barcelona and Real Madrid will receive €6 million (RM28m) while Atletico and Valencia will pocket around €3 million each (RM14m). If Barca and Real Madrid reach the final, it is expected they will earn around €10 million (RM46m) for the week.

The RFEF, meanwhile, has an agreement for the tournament to be held in Saudi Arabia for three years, for which it will earn a total of €120 million (RM552m), an amount it claims will be put back into the women’s game and lower leagues.

President Luis Rubiales has also said the old format, involving a final in August between the league champions and cup winners, was no longer capturing the imagination of fans.

“The Super Cup was doomed to death,” said Rubiales in November.

“The money we will get is not for building a villa. It will go to women’s football and the clubs in Segunda B and Tercera. Of course money is important, who can deny that? Money is very important but the money will go where it is needed.”

Fans from Spain appear unlikely to make the 10-hour trip to Jeddah, which would cost them close to €1,000 (RM4,600) in flights and accommodation combined.

According to Spanish newspaper El Mundo yesterday, only 1,076 of 12,000 tickets had been sold, with Valencia selling just 26.

Nobody wants to go to the Spanish Super Cup, read El Mundo’s headline. – AFP