Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzan has argued that Barcelona and Villarreal’s upcoming match in Miami is part of a broader plan to reward global fans and expand La Liga's international reach. However, he revealed that the Women’s Super Cup, originally proposed to be held in the United States from January 20 to 25, could not go ahead after Real Madrid refused to approve the move.
RFEF had full backing from Spanish giants for Miami plan
Louzan revealed that the RFEF had reached an agreement to stage the Supercopa de Espana Femenina in Miami, with full support from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club, who will participate alongside Real Madrid in the four-team format introduced when the competition was reinstated in 2020, but Los Blancos angered their rivals by refusing to give their backing.
Before turning to Miami, the federation had first explored taking the tournament to Saudi Arabia, following the format used for the men’s Super Cup, which was also held there. But the idea quickly received criticism over the country’s human rights record. Things got even more complicated when a court investigation began into a deal signed by former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, allegedly involving illegal commissions tied to moving Spanish competitions to the Middle East. After facing strong objections from women’s football, the Saudi Arabia plan was eventually dropped.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportNot the first time Real Madrid have vetoed a move to the USA
Speaking at the World Football Summit in Madrid on Wednesday, he said the project aimed to promote women’s football globally following the success of the men’s Supercopa de Espana. However, the federation has yet to confirm a venue.
"We already made a proposal, which couldn't be held this year, to move the Women's Super Cup to the United States, Louzan revealed. "We had already reached an agreement, but in the end, it won't be possible because one of the clubs said it didn't see it happening this year."
Notably, this isn’t the first time Madrid has opposed plans to take Spanish football to the United States. Earlier, the Spanish giants voiced their displeasure over the Villarreal vs Barcelona match being played in Miami.
Louzan backs Javier Tebas plan to promote La Liga in abroad
Amid criticism from fans and pundits over the Villarreal vs Barcelona clash being moved to the United States, the RFEF chief has thrown his support behind La Liga president Javier Tebas’ long-running plan to promote Spanish football overseas. UEFA granted 'exceptional' permission on October 6 for the match to take place in Miami, marking the first official La Liga game to be played outside Spain.
Louzan, who has supported the idea since taking office last December, defended the move and called it a step toward connecting with global fans.
"Television rights are important, and now there are two stadiums: the physical one where the match is played, and the one on your sofa at home. Many people pay to watch football on their screens, and this is in line with the authorization to play the match in Miami. It's a reward for the fans behind the screens," the 57-year-old added.
It is not the only match set to be played on foreign soil this season. UEFA has also approved Serie A’s plan to stage the AC Milan vs Como fixture in Perth, Australia, on February 8, which also received sharp criticism from fans.
Getty Images SportRFEF still struggling to revive Women’s Super Cup
The RFEF’s efforts to bring the Women’s Super Cup back to life haven’t gone as planned. After returning in 2020 following a 20-year break, the tournament has struggled to get financial backing. This year’s edition at Butarque Stadium in Leganes was announced only 26 days before kickoff. The move frustrated both clubs and fans, especially those of Barcelona and Real Sociedad, who faced visa and travel issues.
A big reason the tournament hasn’t caught on is also its lack of competition. Barcelona women's dominance (15 titles) in the tournament has made the event predictable and left little excitement for neutral fans. With the next edition just three months away, time is running out for the RFEF to find a venue and a vision. The federation now faces mounting pressure to give the competition a clear direction, both for the players and the future of women’s football in Spain.