The ongoing tensions in the Middle East has had widespread impacts across most financial markets and the repercussions are starting to show in the sporting world as well.
Earlier in the year, Formula One decided to abandon the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races while the Qatar Grand Prix was moved to Malaysia.
Now, in football, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has decided to move the Spanish Super Cup away from Saudi Arabia as well.
Super Cup to be held in Istanbul
In an official statement, the RFEF has confirmed that the 2027 edition of the Super Cup will be held in Istanbul, at the Olympic Ataturk Stadium.
This is a major departure from the earlier editions which have been held in Saudi Arabia – a move that helped RFEF generate a sizable amount of revenue.
Ataturk Stadium most recently hosted the UEFA Champions League final in 2023, which Manchester City won.
The RFEF has cited the 2027 Asian Cup as the main reason behind the decision to move the Super Cup to Istanbul.
But the ongoing tensions in the Middle East has likely played a key role as well given that most other sporting organisations have also started momentarily shifting their events elsewhere.
RFEF further confirmed that the Super Cup will return to Saudi Arabia in 2028.
Who will participate?
Real Madrid last won the Spanish Super Cup title in 2024. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad are the four teams that will participate in the Spanish Super Cup 2027.
The tournament will be held from February 2 to Februrary 7 at the Olympic Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, meaning the entire competition will be hosted in just one stadium.
It will be a must-win competition for Real Madrid, who have been humbled by Barcelona in recent years.
Barcelona, in fact, have won three of the last four editions, with Real Madrid last winning the Spanish Super Cup in 2024.