Audio By Carbonatix
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde says he preferred the old format of the Spanish Super Cup and that the competition is only being held in Saudi Arabia because of the money on offer.
The competition has been reformatted to include the two top in La Liga and the finalists in the Copa del Rey.
It is normally played in August between the league and cup winners.
"The bottom line is football has become a business and as a business it looks for income," Valverde said.
"That's the reason we are all here.
"It's a completely different format to what we're used to. It was always the first title and the opener of the season and to me that seemed fine.
"It's been changed and let's see, it will be judged once it has happened. It's interesting, with four good teams, but from a sporting point of view, I'm not sure."
There has been criticism of the decision to host the event in Saudi Arabia - a nation with many human rights issues.
The deal was only signed after Saudi Arabia agreed women would be able to attend the games.
Valencia, who qualified after winning the Copa Del Rey, are also unhappy because they will only earn two million euros from the competition, compared to six million for Barcelona and Real Madrid, and three million for Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona face Atletico in the second semi-final on Thursday (19:00 GMT), with the winner facing Real in the final on Sunday (18:00 GMT) after Zinedine Zidane's side beat Valencia 3-1 on Wednesday.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Do not despair, perseverance led to my three PhDs – TTU registrar urges all
56 minutes -
Alisson injury not ‘a big thing’ despite missing Galatasaray
4 hours -
Scholes ‘did not intend to be offensive’ to Carrick
4 hours -
23 players sent off after mass brawl in Brazil
4 hours -
Court remands pastor over alleged child abuse images
4 hours -
Anthropic sues US government for calling it a risk
4 hours -
Live Nation reaches settlement in US monopoly case
4 hours -
G7 to take ‘necessary measures’ to support energy supplies
4 hours -
Star Assurance rewards 10 more customers in grand finale draw of “40 Reasons to Smile” promo
4 hours -
Guinea opposition leader urges ‘direct resistance’ after 40 parties dissolved
4 hours -
Suhum MP calls for sincere dialogue on labour issues, warns against politicisation
5 hours -
We have instituted measures to diversify our reserves – BoG Governor
5 hours -
Ban on pay-TV services at the Presidency in force; my office is the only place with DSTV – Kwakye Ofosu
5 hours -
Fuel prices could hit GH¢17 if the Middle East crisis persists – COMAC
5 hours -
Cedi records modest appreciation on improved liquidity, but external risks linger
5 hours
