UEFA 'copies' RFEF and the UEFA Super Cup could be played far from the continent

The UEFA Super Cup could undergo a historic revolution. UEFA is considering transforming the traditional match between the Champions League winner and the Europa League winner into a four-team mini-tournament.

The change wouldn't be the only one. The organization is also considering holding the event outside Europe, with  the United States and the Middle East as the main candidates to host it as early as next season.

Currently, the format pits the two continental champions against each other in a single match. Yesterday, PSG claimed victory on penalties against Tottenham in Udine, at Stadio Friuli. It's a modern but small stadium, with a capacity of 27,000 spectators (25,000), no airport of its own, and transportation limitations.

The Italian city was the only one to submit a bid, after being left out of the venues for Euro 2032. UEFA chose it in December, but the lack of interest from other cities has reopened the debate about the future of the competition.

A project that returns to the table

The idea of expanding the Super Cup isn't new. In 2022, a UEFA document for the sale of television rights already included the possibility of a four-club tournament, with two semifinals and a final.

At that time, the proposal was set aside. However, now it's gaining momentum again in the context of the new rights negotiation, driven by Relevent, UEFA's commercial partner based in the United States.

The goal is clear: to increase interest in the North American market, where European soccer gains followers every year.

Following the example of Spain

The model is reminiscent of the Spanish Super Cup, which since 2020 has brought together four teams and is played in Saudi Arabia, with a contract until 2029. France, meanwhile, has been exporting its Trophée des Champions for years to countries such as Canada, Morocco, China, or Qatar.

Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, has already admitted that taking official matches of European competitions to the United States "is possible" and it has been discussed in several meetings.

RFEF has also paved the way in this regard. This very week it approved the proposal to play a Barcelona–Villarreal league match in Miami next December, pending the green light from UEFA and FIFA.

If UEFA takes the step, the Super Cup will cease to be a European event and will become a global showcase.