Barca oppose China Supercopa plans

Barca oppose China Supercopa plans

Published Oct. 16, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Barcelona have announced they are against the Spanish Football Federation's plan to play next year's Spanish Supercopa in China.

The federation (RFEF) have a preliminary agreement with a Chinese promoter, with the full backing of the Chinese government and local authorities, to play the two-legged Supercopa between this season's Primera Division and Copa del Rey winners at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing.

However, Barcelona's board have voted against the proposal.

A statement on Barca's official website read: "Barcelona are not in agreement with the RFEF's project to play the Spanish Supercopa in China, for social reasons and also sporting."

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Club spokesman Toni Freixa added: "We're not talking about prize money, but everything seems to indicate we would lose money. But this isn't the reason. In the end we can't imagine an official competition without our members being able to be there."

Freixa also said playing the Supercopa, which traditionally takes place just prior to the start of the Primera Division, in China "would affect the team's preparation".

Barca have been involved in the last four Supercopas, winning three in succession before losing to Real Madrid on away goals this year.

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