Athletic Club forward Iñaki Williams has openly expressed his disapproval of the Spanish Super Cup being held in Saudi Arabia, stating the decision negatively impacts fans and players.
Inaki Williams described the experience as “terrible.”
“Taking a national competition to another country is not easy for the fans,” Williams said. He emphasized the disconnect created by the distance, noting, “For us, it’s like playing away from home.”
The player’s concerns are also personal. Williams revealed that playing the Super Cup abroad adds an extra layer of difficulty, as he is expecting the birth of his child. “On top of that, I’m about to become a father,” he shared, highlighting the challenge of being far from family during such a moment.
The Spanish Super Cup, a competition featuring the top teams from La Liga and the Copa del Rey, has been played in Saudi Arabia since 2020 as part of a multi-year agreement. While it brings significant financial investment to Spanish football, it has drawn regular criticism from player groups and fan associations for moving a domestic event outside the country.
Williams’ comments reflect a growing sentiment among some players who feel the commercial decisions of the Spanish football authorities can overlook the practical and emotional needs of both squads and their supporters.
The semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup will feature the current top-3 in La Liga standings
The Spanish Super Cup finals will take place from January 7 to 11, 2026, with the semi-finals being played on Wednesday, January 7 and Thursday, January 8 and the Final on Sunday, January 11.
All three matches will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The King Abdullah Sports City, which is known as ‘The Jewel’, is a multi-use stadium and sports city located 30km north of Jeddah. It was built to provide the coastal city with a world class football venue.
Semi-finals
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid