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Saudi Arabia to Host Spanish Super Cup for 5th Time

Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)
Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Spanish Super Cup for 5th Time

Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)
Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Sport announced on Friday that the Kingdom will host the Spanish Super Cup football competitions for the fifth time.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Mallorca will play a knockout tournament at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium between January 8 and 12, 2025.

Real Madrid will face Real Mallorca on January 8, while Barcelona will play against Athletic Bilbao the following day. The winners of each match will advance to the final, scheduled for January 12.

Saudi Arabia hosted four previous editions of the Spanish Super Cup, including in 2020, when Real Madrid won the title after defeating Atlético Madrid.

The second edition, held in 2022, was played in Riyadh, with Real Madrid claiming the title. Barcelona won the third edition by defeating Real Madrid, while Real Madrid lifted the cup in the fourth edition in Riyadh earlier this year.

The Kingdom's hosting of the Spanish Super Cup, part of the Quality of Life Program, reflects Saudi Arabia's success in attracting major regional and international events. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goal to develop and grow the sports sector.

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Ricciardo Knew He Was Out before Singapore, Says RB Boss

RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)
RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)
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Ricciardo Knew He Was Out before Singapore, Says RB Boss

RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)
RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)

Daniel Ricciardo and his RB Formula One team knew before last month's Singapore Grand Prix that he was leaving and having to pretend otherwise was "not ideal", principal Laurent Mekies said on Friday.

The Australian spent much of that weekend awkwardly side-stepping questions about his unconfirmed departure and replacement by New Zealander Liam Lawson for this weekend's US Grand Prix.

Asked by reporters in Austin why 35-year-old Ricciardo had not been given a proper chance to say goodbye, Mekies said the eight-times race-winner's departure could have been handled better.

"It was frustrating, and yes, you're right, it was not ideal to go through the weekend in that way, first of all for him, on a professional and on a personal matter, and for the whole team around him," said the Frenchman.

"Yes, Daniel was aware. We did have discussions before the weekend. For many different reasons, we chose together to go into that weekend without announcing. And from that point onwards, we had to deal with it.

"It's a decision that, in hindsight, we may or may not do differently," he added.

Ricciardo's departure was announced on Sept. 26, four days after the Singapore race.

The Australian this week appeared in a photo on the Instagram account of friend and former motocross racer Adam Cianciarulo wearing a cap with the words "I'm retired. Having a good time IS my job" on it.

Mekies said the team and fans had still found a way to convey their affection for Ricciardo, one of Formula One's most popular drivers, who is famed for his light-hearted approach and smiling personality.

"I can hopefully say that the amount of love and empathy we felt through that weekend was something outstanding and something that shows that he's bigger than an F1 driver, he's bigger than F1," he added.