Deserted stadiums, criticism, controversy. There Italian Super Cup scheduled these days in Saudi Arabia it certainly won’t go down in history as the most beautiful edition ever. In fact, quite the opposite.
“While on the one hand there may be concern about going to places where democracy and human rights are not fully respected, I think that we must be able to grasp the other aspect: the ability to illuminate those places, make them responsible and contribute to civil literacy”. So she had spoken the Minister of Sport, Andrea Abodi, to justify a choice that today is incomprehensible. Actually no, it can be understood well if you look at the rain of money that arrives in the coffers of the club and Lega Serie A.
Italian Super Cup 2024. Photo Source: Fanpage
All the figures from the Super Cup
The proposal to organize a Riad the competition had arrived, in the offices of the Serie A League, in September 2022. A new formula, with the final four, to spread out the show and have more events scheduled. An unprecedented offer: 138 million euros for a commitment lasting 6 years, i.e 23 million euros net into the coffers of the Serie A League.
A real rain of money, which also included the costs of transfers and accommodation, which would have been completely borne by the Saudis. Of these 23 million, obviously, a part must be redistributed among the participating clubs according to this table. The losing semi-finalists would receive 1 million and 600 thousand euros, the losing finalist 5 million while the winners would receive 8 million euros. In short, everyone will get at least a slice of the cake. And here is the most important reason for the choice to move a competition that has less and less of a sport to Saudi Arabia.
Italian Super Cup 2024. Photo Source: Fanpage
Protests from Napoli and Lazio fans
A “Camel ride with trophy”. This is how the fans defined it Napoliwho announced their protest and dissent towards the competition in a statement: “By now it’s clear to everyone that this is the trend and we don’t find the sense in still calling it the Italian Super Cup, when the Italian fans themselves won’t be able to attend it”. Also in the same vein Northern Curve of Laziowhich speaks of Italian football as “popular heritage that must remain within everyone’s reach and forcing fans to undertake intercontinental trips is anything but popular”.
A clear and clear stance, which fits in with the disheartening scenario of empty stadiums and snubbed matches. Ah, the final will be between Napoli and Inter, if anyone is really interested.