January 9 – Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host the Spanish Super Cup for the fourth time in five years.
This year’s edition showcases defending LaLiga champions Barcelona, alongside Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and CA Osasuna. All matches will be played at Riyadh’s Al Awwal Park Stadium, boasting a 25,000-seat capacity and serving as the home ground for Al Nassr FC.
Under a substantial agreement binding until 2029, Saudi Arabia secured hosting rights to a reformatted Super Cup competition, reportedly paying a annual fee of more than €30 million.
However, the partnership between the Saudis and the Spanish federation did at its inception spark discontent among some officials with LaLiga president Javier Tebas voicing his concerns in 2019, citing issues not only related to human rights but also citing two years of television piracy backed by the Saudi Arabian government, impacting Spanish and European football broadcasting. Those concerns have now been conveniently forgotten as the Saudis have rehabbed their reputation and
In a deal inked in June 2021, the Spanish Federation reportedly sealed a $120 million agreement, affirming Saudi Arabia as the tournament’s host until 2029.
The tournament’s opening fixture on January 10 sees Copa Del Rey victors Real Madrid squaring off against city rivals Atletico Madrid, who clinched the third spot in La Liga last season. The following day, FC Barcelona clash with CA Osasuna, the Copa del Rey runners-up, with the former aiming to defend their super cup title.
The tournament culminates in the final on Sunday, January 14, with all matches scheduled to kick off at 10pm local time.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1735136769labto1735136769ofdlr1735136769owedi1735136769sni@g1735136769niwe.1735136769yrrah1735136769