Spanish Football Federation Faces Backlash Over Fan Harassment at Saudi Super Cup

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is facing mounting criticism after incidents of harassment and alleged sexual misconduct against Real Mallorca supporters during the Super Cup semi-final in Jeddah. The fallout has prompted RFEF president Rafael Louzán to issue a formal apology and sparked calls from the Balearic government to reconsider Saudi Arabia as a suitable host for the tournament.

The controversy centers around events following Mallorca’s 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid last Thursday at the King Abdullah Stadium. Supporters and family members of the Mallorca players reported being targeted by local fans supporting Real Madrid as they exited the stadium. The allegations range from verbal abuse to physical harassment, including groping and intimidation.

Cristina Palavra, the wife of Mallorca midfielder Dani Rodríguez, described the ordeal as “genuine panic.” Speaking after the group returned to Spain, Palavra recounted the chaotic scene. “Leaving the stadium was terrifying. They surrounded us, followed us closely with their phones, and slapped some fans while I held my children in my arms. We felt completely unprotected.”

Other witnesses shared similarly harrowing accounts. Natalia Kaluzova, the partner of goalkeeper Dominik Greif, revealed that local fans forced their way into groups of Mallorca supporters, recording them without consent and physically assaulting them. “They pushed us, groped us, and shoved phones into our faces while laughing and mocking us,” Kaluzova said. “We couldn’t even use the restroom without hearing unpleasant sexual comments.”

Sara Noguera, the partner of midfielder Manu Morlanes, added, “Two friends I was with had their bottoms touched. They were humiliated while the perpetrators pointed and laughed.”

The harassment extended to other Mallorca fans as well. According to the mother of defender José Manuel Copete, a supporter intervened to protect another fan who had been inappropriately touched. One fan, speaking to El Mundo, described the chaotic exit as “a nightmare,” saying, “They created a gauntlet, slapping us, grabbing our scarves and flags, and harassing the women. There were tense, frightening moments.”

The incidents have drawn sharp criticism from fans and officials alike, with many questioning the adequacy of security measures at the stadium. In a social media post, Kaluzova directly criticized the RFEF, saying, “The federation failed to protect us. They allowed this harassment to happen without any intervention.”

Although the RFEF has been in contact with Mallorca representatives and is working to gather video evidence, the federation’s public acknowledgment of the issue only came days later. On Wednesday, during an event in Valencia, Louzán addressed the matter for the first time. “I want to apologize to all the fans who traveled to support their team, approximately 100 people, who were more than 5,000 kilometers from home,” he said. “From the information we have, it appears there were significant problems as they exited the stadium. I deeply regret the difficult moments they experienced.”

Despite the apology, Louzán framed the tournament as a success in terms of viewership and global attention. “This edition of the Super Cup has been one of the most followed we’ve held in Saudi Arabia. We hope to return and ensure such incidents do not happen again,” he stated.

However, this stance has provoked strong reactions from Mallorca officials and fans, who argue that safety and dignity should outweigh financial and promotional considerations.

Jaume Bauzá, the Balearic councillor for tourism, culture, and sport, wrote a formal letter to the RFEF, condemning the lack of security and respect shown to Mallorca supporters. “The women present were literally scared in the face of local supporters who crossed basic lines of respect. They were subjected to harassment, inappropriate touching, and denigrating comments. This raises serious questions about Saudi Arabia’s suitability as a host,” Bauzá wrote.

Palma’s mayor, Jaime Martínez, also expressed his concerns, emphasizing the need to reconsider the federation’s partnership with Saudi Arabia. “The RFEF must weigh whether the financial gains from hosting the tournament in Saudi Arabia are worth the cost to fans’ dignity and safety,” Martínez said.

The Balearic government’s statements reflect a broader debate about the ethics of hosting international sporting events in countries with controversial human rights records. Critics argue that the RFEF’s decision to hold the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia prioritizes profits over the well-being of fans, while supporters point to the tournament’s global reach and financial success.

As the RFEF continues to address the fallout, calls for transparency and accountability grow louder. For the affected fans and families, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents are never repeated, regardless of where future tournaments are held.

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