Efe Özkan
18 September 2026•Update: 18 September 2026
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 Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Spain as Istanbul prepares to host the 2027 Spanish Super Cup.
Speaking at a promotional event Thursday in Istanbul, Erdogan welcomed representatives of the Spanish Royal Football Federation, Saudi Arabia, the Turkish Football Federation and Türkiye's three major clubs -- Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas.
Erdogan said 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.
"I am happy to be here today to be one of the enablers of this event coming to Istanbul," he said.
He noted that the tournament would bring some of the world's leading football clubs to the city, including Real Madrid, whose squad features Turkish international Arda Guler.
Erdogan also pointed to broader cooperation between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia through the World Ethnosport Confederation, saying an Ethnosport Culture Festival would be held in Riyadh in November as part of Riyadh Season.
He described the cooperation among Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Spain as important at a time when international cooperation is needed to strengthen peace and stability.
Al-Sheikh thanked Türkiye's authorities, the football federations and the three Turkish clubs for their contributions to bringing the tournament to Istanbul.
"February will see an incredible event. The Spanish Super Cup will be a great event for both Türkiye and Istanbul," Al-Sheikh said.
He also highlighted Türkiye's preparations to co-host UEFA Euro 2032 with Italy and said he and Erdogan would have "a very nice surprise" to announce in November.
Al-Sheikh also thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bilal Erdogan for their contributions, noting that the tournament had been organized in a short period.
As a Galatasaray supporter, Al-Sheikh also thanked all three clubs for their contributions.
The 2027 Spanish Super Cup will 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 meet Real Sociedad at Tupras Stadium on Feb. 3.
The final will be played at RAMS Park on Feb. 6.
