LaLiga president Javier Tebas characterized recent moves as strong, amid reports about a high-value agreement involving the Spanish Super Cup. Information from El Confidencial suggests that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has reached a deal with Kosmos, the company co-owned by and led by Gerard Piqué, the renowned Barcelona footballer, to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. The conversations and contracts describe a multi-year commitment that would shift a marquee domestic event to the Middle East.
During remarks to journalists at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell-Trophy facilities, Tebas indicated a cautious approach. He preferred to wait for a fuller picture before weighing in, noting that those involved should share their own perspectives first. His stance reflected the complexity of the matter and the need to hear multiple voices before forming a public opinion.
He added that he did not catch any definitive audio or narrative he could endorse offhand. The issue, he explained, involves parties who must ultimately speak up about the authenticity of circulating claims, and he made clear that his final position would depend on what corroborated information emerges from those directly implicated.
In the broader context, Tebas acknowledged the sensitivity around the topic and refrained from taking a side until a comprehensive assessment is possible. The central questions revolve around how such arrangements are structured, who benefits, and whether the financial terms align with the broader interests of Spanish football. The public discourse has highlighted concerns about transparency in the distribution of funds for the Super Cup when hosted abroad, with some observers insisting that clearer accounting would help fans understand the situation better.
El Confidencial reports point to audio recordings involving Luis Rubiales, then-president of the RFEF, and Piqué, alongside documents tied to a six-year contract with a Saudi public company called Sela. The proposal reportedly included substantial payments for each edition of the tournament and additional sums allocated to Kosmos. These details have sparked vigorous scrutiny about governance and accountability within the federation, and about the role of private partners in shaping the country’s football calendar.
The investigative outlet’s narrative traces back to March 2019, when discussions allegedly began about stadium options for the Super Cup. Initial ideas contemplated a switch to Rubiales’s own venue with Real Madrid, although the preferred venue under consideration for the event had been Camp Nou. The unfolding story underscores a broader debate about whether major trophies should routinely travel abroad, and which stakeholders should influence those decisions.
Tebas emphasized that while the concept of hosting abroad had merit, the process must be transparent and backed by solid evidence. He stressed that the distribution of money for the Saudi-hosted edition has not always been transparent in the past, and he flagged calls for more clarity from those in Valencia and other clubs about how funds are allocated and controlled. His comments suggest a cautious approach to foreign-hosted contests, while acknowledging that the financial landscape of football is changing rapidly.
Looking ahead, Tebas indicated that his opinion would be shaped by the voices of those directly involved in the negotiations. He signaled a willingness to speak more openly once the available information has been independently verified and corroborated by the parties concerned. The scenario illustrates the ongoing tension between revenue generation, stadium strategy, and the preservation of competitive balance within Spanish football.
Observers note that the core issue extends beyond any single deal. It touches on governance, transparency, and how international partnerships influence domestic football calendars, contracts, and competitive integrity. As the dialogue continues, stakeholders from leagues, federations, clubs, and private partners are watching closely to determine whether future arrangements will align with broader sporting objectives in both Spain and the international arena. [Citation: El Confidencial]