Athletic Club star Inaki Williams has criticized the RFEF's plans to play the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia as Barcelona advance to the final.
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Barcelona beat Athletic Club in the Super CupWilliams criticizes decision to play in Saudi ArabiaSpanish Super Cup played in Saudi since 2020Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Spanish Super Cup has been held in Saudi Arabia since 2020, barring the COVID-affected 2020-21 season, after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) signed a deal with the Middle Eastern country, similar to the Italian football federation's deal for the Supercoppa de Italia. The Spanish Super Cup has been converted into a mid-season tournament with four teams competing instead of two.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Athletic Club have participated in the new-format Spanish Super Cup thrice in six years. The Spanish Super Cup's new format has previously been criticised by a number of players due to the added workload of having to travel to Saudi Arabia, and after the Basque side's 2-0 loss to Barcelona in Riyadh, Williams criticized the RFEF's insistence to play in the Middle East.
WHAT WILLIAMS SAID
Speaking to the media, Williams said: "It was like playing away today even though there were a few fans. It's a shame that such a beautiful match was played so far away because I think that if it had been played closer, the stadium would have been filled with many of our fans.
"It's a shame that we have to play hundreds of kilometres away from our fans and our families. For me, it makes no sense to play here in Saudi Arabia, but that's how football works today."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR THE SPANISH SUPER CUP?
With a deal to host the Spanish Super Cup already in place, the likelihood of the venue changing over the next two years seems highly unlikely regardless of players' opinions regarding Saudi Arabia hosting the prestigious tournament.
