Istanbul: Bilal Erdogan, head of the World Ethnosport Confederation, and Saudi Royal Court Adviser and General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh highlighted the growing cooperation between Trkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Spain as Istanbul prepares to host the 2027 Spanish Super Cup. Speaking at a promotional event in Istanbul, Erdogan welcomed representatives of the Spanish Royal Football Federation, Saudi Arabia, the Turkish Football Federation, and Trkiye's three major clubs - Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan stated that the idea of bringing the Spanish Super Cup to Istanbul emerged during a meeting with Al-Sheikh in the city and received support from Turkish ministries, the federation, and clubs. He expressed his satisfaction in being part of the event's initiation, emphasizing the tournament's potential to bring some of the world's leading football clubs to the city, including Real Madrid, with its Turkish international player Arda Guler.

Erdogan also mentioned the broader cooperation between Trkiye and Saudi Arabia through the World Ethnosport Confederation, noting an Ethnosport Culture Festival would be held in Riyadh in November as part of Riyadh Season. He described the collaboration among Trkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Spain as significant during a time when international cooperation is essential to strengthen peace and stability.

Al-Sheikh expressed gratitude to Trkiye's authorities, the football federations, and the three Turkish clubs for their efforts in bringing the tournament to Istanbul. He remarked that February would witness an extraordinary event, with the Spanish Super Cup serving as a major occasion for both Trkiye and Istanbul. Al-Sheikh also mentioned Trkiye's preparations to co-host UEFA Euro 2032 with Italy and hinted at an upcoming announcement with Erdogan in November.

He further extended thanks to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bilal Erdogan for their contributions, noting that the tournament had been organized swiftly. As a Galatasaray supporter, Al-Sheikh expressed appreciation to all three clubs for their involvement.

The 2027 Spanish Super Cup is scheduled to take place in Istanbul from Feb. 2-6, featuring Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Real Sociedad. Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid in the first semifinal at Chobani Stadium on Feb. 2, while Real Madrid will compete against Real Sociedad at Tupras Stadium on Feb. 3.