Spanish football giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have expressed unwillingness to participate in the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) plans to host the next five Supercopa competitions in Beijing. The agreement betwen the RFEF and promoter United Vansen International Sport, worth 40 million Euros, remains in its preliminary phase, awaiting approval of the Spanish Football Assembly.
Since inception in 1982 the Supercopa tournament has been a two legged competition involving the previous La Liga season champion against the previous season’s Copa del Rey champion on Spanish soil. The June announcement that it woud relocate received harsh criticism from fans in Spain, but until recently no statement was made by any Spanish Clubs.
The statement marks one of the few occassions where Madrid and Barca are unified in their football endeavors. Some would speculate that both clubs are likely to already be planning preseasons tours to China, which are more lucrative and effective marketing platforms for the clubs in China.