RFEF Negotiates Qatar Hosting for 2027 Supercopa Amid Saudi Scheduling Conflict
The RFEF is negotiating to host the 2027 Supercopa de España in Qatar due to Saudi Arabia's scheduling conflict with the Asia Cup, while aiming to extend ties with Saudi Arabia amid financial and ethical considerations.
- • RFEF seeks a new venue for the 2027 Supercopa due to Saudi Arabia's Asia Cup schedules.
- • Qatar is the leading candidate to host the 2027 tournament with negotiations underway.
- • The Supercopa has been held in Saudi Arabia since 2020, generating significant revenue for RFEF.
- • RFEF president Rafael Louzán aims to extend the Supercopa's presence in Saudi Arabia until at least 2034 despite criticism over human rights issues.
Key details
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is in advanced talks to move the 2027 Supercopa de España to Qatar due to Saudi Arabia's scheduling conflict with the 2023 Asia Cup, which overlaps with the tournament's traditional January dates. Saudi officials informed RFEF president Rafael Louzán more than a year ago that hosting both events simultaneously would be unfeasible. As a result, Qatar has emerged as the leading candidate to host the Supercopa in 2027, with ongoing negotiations aligning with the previously arranged Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina in Doha on March 27.
Since 2020, the Supercopa has been held in Saudi Arabia under a contract signed by former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, bringing approximately €40 million annually to the federation. However, the 2021 edition was hosted in Spain without spectators due to the pandemic, causing financial strain. Louzán stressed the tournament's crucial role in funding women's and grassroots football, which depends on an estimated €20 million yearly.
The Spanish football calendar restricts rescheduling the Supercopa outside early January, leading the RFEF to seek venues that can financially offset potential losses. Qatar's offer reportedly approaches the financial terms of Saudi Arabia's commitment through 2029. Louzán also intends to pursue an extension of the Supercopa's presence in Saudi Arabia until at least 2034, coinciding with the World Cup. Nevertheless, the decision to continue hosting in Saudi Arabia faces criticism over human rights concerns, with players like Iñaki Williams pointing to difficulties for fans and ethical considerations in staging a national competition abroad.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Annual revenue from Supercopa
Sources disagree on the annual revenue from the Supercopa for RFEF.
elpais.com
"amounting to around 20 million euros annually."
elpais.com
"providing the RFEF with €40 million annually."
Why this matters: One source states the revenue is around 20 million euros annually, while the other claims it is 40 million euros. This discrepancy significantly affects understanding of the financial implications of the Supercopa.