**Spanish Super Cup’s Istanbul Move Driven by Asian Cup Clash, RFEF Chief Says**
The Spanish Super Cup is set to take place in Istanbul from February 2 to 7, 2027, marking a significant shift from its recent venues in Saudi Arabia. This decision, according to Rafael Louzan, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was primarily influenced by a scheduling conflict with the Asian Cup, rather than concerns regarding regional security.
During a launch event hosted by the Turkish Football Federation, Louzan explained that the decision to relocate the tournament was made well before the recent geopolitical tensions in the region. He emphasized that the overlap of dates with the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia was a critical factor in the decision-making process. “This is largely due to the coincidence with the Asian Cup,” Louzan stated, indicating that the RFEF had initiated discussions about moving the competition prior to any escalated regional conflicts.
The announcement was made in the presence of notable figures, including Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, highlighting the collaborative nature of the event's planning. Louzan confirmed that the agreement to hold the Super Cup in Istanbul had been coordinated with Sela, the Saudi sports and entertainment company, as well as the Saudi government.
The tournament will feature some of Spain’s top football clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Atletico Madrid. Louzan noted that these clubs were pleased with the new arrangements, which also involved collaboration with Turkish clubs such as Besiktas, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce, who will provide the necessary stadiums and infrastructure for the event.
The RFEF has a history of staging the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, a practice that has been in place for several years under an agreement with Sela. Louzan mentioned that while the financial terms for the Istanbul edition would be similar to those in Saudi Arabia, there would be “some improvements,” although he did not disclose specific figures regarding the financial aspects of the deal.
Looking ahead, Louzan indicated that discussions were already underway with Sela and Saudi authorities about potentially extending their agreement beyond 2030. He acknowledged the strengthening alliance between Turkey and Saudi Arabia as a contributing factor to the decision to host the Super Cup in Istanbul.
The move to Istanbul reflects a broader trend in international sports where scheduling conflicts and logistical considerations increasingly influence the choice of host cities for major tournaments. As the landscape of global football continues to evolve, the Spanish Super Cup's relocation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in organizing high-profile sporting events.