The Spanish government has OK'd the Spanish soccer federation's plans to hold the Super Cup, which pits the previous season's La Liga and Copa del Rey winners against each other, in China for six years beginning in August 2003.

Spain's Sports Council believes the decision will help promote Spanish soccer and the "Spanish brand." If, as was has been the case in the previous two finals, the Super Cup finalists are Real Madrid and Barcelona, the federation expects to make $10 million, 90 percent of which will be divided between the two teams. If only one or neither of the giants reach the Super Cup, each team would settle for $3 million.

Further income, up to $3 million, could come from friendlies the finalists play while in China

Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium would host the final. Neither Madrid nor Barcelona seemed to be in favor of the project, although neither has made an official objection.