Overview
- Williams called staging the tournament in Saudi Arabia “shit,” arguing that exporting a national competition shuts out many supporters.
- He said he expects to become a father in the coming days and described the required travel as a personal strain on his family.
- Athletic Club are set to face Barcelona in the first semi-final in Saudi Arabia, with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid contesting the other tie before the final the following week.
- The RFEF’s hosting deal is reported to be worth about €40 million annually and officials say the income is reinvested in grassroots football.
- Critics point to half-empty stadiums, crowds skewed toward Spain’s biggest clubs, and past complaints about poor security and harassment of female fans at previous editions.