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Opinion
Alfredo RelañoThe women’s Carranza Trophy, a very nice idea

The women’s Carranza Trophy, a very nice idea

As with most summer tournaments, the Carranza Trophy was not in particularly good shape. Let’s just say these competitions have seen better days; those days when there was no football, or not much, on TV, and when there was little news of big clubs from other shores; when they were (predominantly the Carranza and Teresa Herrera Trophies, but not just those) the stage for Spain’s biggest clubs to flaunt their newest additions with the new season just around the corner. Big stars from South America – Pelé included – and Europe were paraded… Good old days that remain in the past. However, the Carranza Trophy has taken a step forward, a step I agree with one hundred per cent.

The women's Carranza Trophy

This year there will be a women’s Carranza Trophy, a real innovation which comes in a year that has seen the Women’s World Cup come of age. In Spain, the impact of this year, in which we have seen stadiums filled, has even prompted Madrid to finally jump on board. Over the next 12 months Madrid will take over the recently promoted CD Tacón – a good tactic in the embryonic stages of a future Real Madrid side – which will be one of the guest teams at the tournament. The others will be Betis, Athletic and Tottenham. A smart initiative from those in charge of Cádiz.

A good thing for women's football

We are currently moving towards summers without the Super Cup in the men’s game, which means a well-managed women’s Carranza Trophy could become the biggest news in August. Moreover, it’s a good thing for women’s football and its progress as it continues to overcome obstacles. All clubs have agreed to Rubiales’ proposal and signed up to its formula, although with the proviso that the TV rights belong to thirteen of them and are already sold to Mediapro. This situation was the ‘casus belli’ that triggered a big commotion, and the Football Federation has been careful to tread carefully around the issue. However, I do believe, the braggadocio notwithstanding, everything is moving in an agreeable direction.