Overview
- Williams said playing the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia is “shit,” arguing that moving a national competition abroad blocks many fans from attending and makes Athletic feel like the away team.
- He revealed he is about to become a father and described leaving his wife and newborn as a painful obligation, while stressing he remains available to compete for the trophy.
- The Super Cup continues to be staged in Saudi Arabia under an RFEF deal worth about €40 million per year through 2029, with reports of ongoing talks to extend the agreement.
- Athletic are set to travel to Jeddah in early January to face Barcelona in the first semi-final, with the winner to meet Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid in the final.
- Criticism of the overseas format has included half-empty stadiums favoring the biggest clubs and prior allegations of harassment and poor security affecting female supporters.