Bonmati opposes Spanish Super Cup being moved to Saudi Arabia
Speaking at a promotional event on Thursday, Bonmati questioned the decision to take the tournament abroad before it had been properly established as a valued competition within Spain.
Barcelona's two-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati has voiced her opposition to the possibility of the women's Spanish Super Cup being staged in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at a promotional event on Thursday, Bonmati questioned the decision to take the tournament abroad before it had been properly established as a valued competition within Spain.
"Before we move the Super Cup to another country, I'd like us to be able to give value to this competition here," she said.
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"(This is something) we haven't managed to do so far, with interest, in a stadium that suits both teams, with a financial reward that doesn't involve losing money. And better consideration for the fans, to enable them to travel."
Controversy over Super Cup deal
Since 2020, the men's Spanish Super Cup has been held in Saudi Arabia—except for the 2021 edition due to Covid—under a deal worth €40 million (£34 million) per year. However, the agreements behind the tournament's relocation are now under investigation in Spain as part of a corruption probe.
With reports emerging in the Spanish media that the country's football federation is considering moving the women's edition to Saudi Arabia as well, concerns have been raised over both financial and ethical implications.
Concerns over women's rights
Bonmati, 27, also highlighted Saudi Arabia's record on women's rights, saying she would feel uncomfortable playing there.
"From what I know about Saudi Arabia, they are not very advanced in terms of women's rights. I think they still have a long way to go," she said.
At this stage, Bonmati acknowledged that the discussions were only "conjecture," but her comments reflect growing unease over the proposal.
Her Barcelona and Spain team-mate Alexia Putellas also addressed the issue at a separate event on Wednesday, calling for collective action.
"I think that in this situation, either we all go (to play in Saudi) or we all fight together," said Putellas. "Otherwise, I feel that at the end of the day, the ones who always come out wounded are the women."
