Equality minister calls Barça's Saudi Arabia fan recommendations 'a scandal'

FC Barcelona published recommendations on Tuesday for fans traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Super Cup game with Osasuna, which will take place on Thursday in Riyadh.

The club advised supporters to act with “respect and caution” when it comes to public displays of affection, as “indecent behavior including any sexual act” could have “legal consequences” for foreigners visiting the county.

Furthermore, the club warned that same-sex relationships and even support for the LGBTI+ collective, whether in Riyadh or online, could also be sanctioned by Saudi authorities.

On Twitter, the Catalan Minister for Equality and Feminism, Tània Verge, called the list of recommendations a “scandal,” adding that they go against the values of the club as well as those of the Catalan society.

Criticism of Rubiales

Vergés also criticized Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Federation, for his decision to take the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, a decision she said “is, was, and will be a disgrace that must be reversed."

Rubiales was removed from his post last year after allegations of sexual assault by national team player Jennifer Hermoso, who Rubiales kissed forcibly after Spain won the Women's World Cup.

In 2019, the Spanish Football Federation made a deal worth a reported $120 million to have Saudi Arabia host the Super Cup tournament until 2029.

Rubiales defended the decision at the time by saying it would be a “tool for social equality."

This year, the Super Cup will take place between January 10 and January 14. The winner of Barcelona vs Osasuna will play Real Madrid in the final.