Harassment Scandal Rocks Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia

A disturbing harassment scandal has erupted following the Spanish Super Cup semifinal match between Real Madrid and Real Mallorca, held at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 10, 2025. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety and security of fans, particularly women, at sports events hosted in the kingdom.

Victims' Testimonies

The wives of Real Mallorca players and other Spanish female fans have come forward with harrowing accounts of the harassment they endured. Cristina Palafra, the wife of Mallorca player Dani Rodríguez, described how Saudi fans approached them suspiciously, filming them up close without permission, and engaging in physical harassment. She emphasized the lack of security measures in the area designated for players’ families, which exacerbated the fear and confusion among the women and children.

Natalia Kaluzova, wife of Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif, shared similar experiences, detailing incidents of forced filming, pushing, and verbal abuse by Saudi fans. These testimonies were corroborated by other Spanish fans present at the event, who described the situation as "uncomfortable and dangerous" for the women in the stands.

Reaction and Condemnation

The incident has triggered a wave of anger in Spain, with human rights organizations and the Spanish Fan Association calling for the Spanish Football Federation to stop hosting the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. The Federation is under scrutiny for choosing a host country without ensuring adequate fan protection. Dani Rodríguez, the husband of Cristina Palafra, expressed his outrage, stating that the Federation is responsible for the safety of fans and that what happened was unacceptable.

Implications for Future Events

This scandal comes at a critical time as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup. The incident has raised significant questions about the kingdom's ability to secure major sports events, given its history of human rights violations and freedom restrictions. The growing calls for an investigation into the harassment incident have cast a shadow over Saudi Arabia's bid to host the World Cup, highlighting concerns about the safety and well-being of participants and spectators.

Broader Context

The controversy surrounding the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia is not isolated. It reflects broader issues related to human rights and fan safety in the kingdom. As the international community watches, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks associated with hosting major international sports events in countries with questionable human rights records.

In conclusion, the harassment scandal at the Spanish Super Cup has underscored the urgent need for robust security measures and a commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all fans, particularly women, at international sports events. As the fallout continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact Saudi Arabia's future as a host for major sporting events.