La Liga Chief Criticizes Real Madrid’s Grievances
La Liga president Javier Tebas has launched another scathing attack on Real Madrid in a recent interview with ‘The Objective.’ Tebas, known for his straightforward and often critical comments, did not hold back in addressing the club’s persistent complaints about refereeing decisions and other issues surrounding Spanish football. The controversy over refereeing has been a hot topic in recent weeks, with numerous officiating decisions sparking outrage and debate. However, Tebas believes that the Spanish Football Federation has failed to address these issues adequately, and he places a significant portion of the blame on Real Madrid and its official channel, Real Madrid TV, which he accuses of fueling the controversy and creating a misleading narrative. "We’ve had a lot of controversy over refereeing in recent weeks. The federation is not looking for a solution. Real Madrid TV, Real Madrid, are creating controversy and writing a false story and putting all of football into question," Tebas said. He further emphasized that while many clubs voice their complaints, Real Madrid stands out for its particularly aggressive and manipulated approach. Tebas even went so far as to label Real Madrid a "whiny club," suggesting that their constant complaints are a tireless and distracting element in the world of Spanish football. "All the clubs are complaining, but Madrid are putting the spotlight on it. It’s an aggressive, verbal and manipulated story. I know a lot of Real Madrid fans who don’t agree with Real Madrid, which is a whiny club, it cries all day long. They cry for the weekend, they will cry for the following weekend and it’s all the fault of a conspiracy," he stated.
Excessive Use of VAR
Tebas’s criticism extends beyond Real Madrid’s grievances to the broader use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Spanish football. He suggested that the reliance on VAR has become excessive, particularly since a notable conversation between Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, and then-Spanish Federation president Luis Rubiales. "There is an excessive use of the VAR. Since the ‘everything OK Jose Luis’, Florentino called the then President of the Federation, Rubiales, and since then it has been used excessively," Tebas remarked. This statement implies that Tebas believes the increased use of VAR is partly a result of Perez’s influence and ongoing communication with the Federation. Tebas is determined to reform the refereeing system, pointing out that a survey among other clubs would likely reveal that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have historically benefited the most from refereeing decisions. "We want to change the refereing system. If you survey other clubs they will say that Madrid and Barça are the most benefited, but they don’t have television to say so. RMTV is the only media that is with this story," he said, highlighting the unique role that Real Madrid TV plays in shaping public opinion.
The Federation’s Failure to Address Issues
Tebas’s criticism of the Spanish Football Federation’s handling of refereeing controversies is equally potent. He believes the federation has fallen short in addressing these issues, which has allowed clubs like Real Madrid to amplify their complaints. "The federation is not looking for a solution. They are not taking the necessary steps to ensure fair and transparent officiating," he lamented. This failure, according to Tebas, not only undermines the integrity of the sport but also contributes to a toxic environment where clubs can manipulate narratives to their advantage. Tebas’s comments reflect a growing frustration among football officials and fans alike, who feel that the system needs a thorough overhaul to maintain its credibility and integrity. His desire to change the refereeing system is driven by the belief that it can reduce the frequency and intensity of such controversies, thereby allowing the focus to remain on the beautiful game.
Florentino Perez’s Vision Criticized
In his interview, Tebas also took aim at Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, accusing him of promoting a football model that caters exclusively to the wealthiest clubs. "Florentino’s football deceives people. He represents oligarch football, he represents only football for the rich. He wants to decide everything, the money that is distributed," Tebas asserted. This criticism is rooted in a broader debate about the distribution of resources and power in football, where clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and others with significant financial clout often hold sway over league and federation policies. Tebas argues that Perez’s model prioritizes financial power over the sport’s integrity, potentially leading to an uneven playing field and a loss of competitive balance. While acknowledging his own Madridista roots, Tebas criticized a section of the club’s supporters for blindly supporting Perez’s every move. "A part of Madridismo is making the mistake of venerating everything that Florentino does, of saying that everything is fine," he said, urging fans to adopt a more independent and critical stance.
Personal Roots and Professional Criticism
Despite his strong criticisms, Tebas made it clear that his personal support for Real Madrid remains intact. "Madridismo should have an independent opinion. I am happy when Madrid wins. I was very happy when Madrid won the Champions League. I am a Madridista, not a Florentino supporter," he stated. This admission adds a personal dimension to his professional critique, showing that his position is not driven by a lack of love for the club but rather a deep concern for the health and fairness of Spanish football. Tebas’s comments reflect a careful balance between his loyalty to Real Madrid and his responsibility as the head of La Liga to ensure that the league operates in the best interests of all its members. It is a sentiment that many fans and officials may relate to, as the line between personal passion and professional duty can sometimes blur in the world of football.
Reform and the Future of Spanish Football
Tebas’s interview underscores his commitment to reforming the refereeing system and addressing the broader issues facing Spanish football. He believes that these changes are essential to maintain the integrity and fairness of the sport, especially in the face of what he perceives as an oligarchic model promoted by figures like Florentino Perez. By highlighting the need for transparency and fairness, Tebas is not just attacking Real Madrid or its president; he is advocating for a more equitable and sustainable future for the league. His proposals for reform, including reducing the excessive use of VAR and ensuring that all clubs have a fair platform to voice their concerns, are steps in the right direction. Whether these reforms will be implemented and how they will be received by the clubs and fans remains to be seen, but Tebas’s unwavering stance signals a significant push for change in the way Spanish football is governed and perceived.
