Real Madrid, Barcelona against playing Supercup in China

Madrid: The presidents of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have opposed plans by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to play the Spanish Supercup in China.

Real President Florentino Perez and Sandro Rossell of Barcelona argued that their clubs depend on their supporters and that playing the Supercup, which is played between the winners of the BBVA Primera Liga and the Copa del Rey, in China would be a problem for supporters who are used to watching the match on home grounds, Xinhua reports.

The pair also argued that having to travel to China to play the final, which is usually played over two legs in the middle of August, would interrupt their pre-season training.

The other 18 teams in the Primera Liga are apparently in favour of playing the Supercup in China, but have stated they understand the posture of Real Madrid and Barcelona, who have disputed the past two editions of the traditional pre-season opener.

The RFEF has an agreement to play five of the next seven editions of the Supercup in China.