The Latest Salvo in the Fiery Feud
La Liga president Javier Tebas is once again at loggerheads with Real Madrid, a club he perceives as a constant thorn in his side. Just a few days ago, Tebas expressed his frustration via a no-holds-barred tweet, accusing Real Madrid and its president, Florentino Pérez, of perpetuating controversy. This time, however, the dispute has escalated to a new level, with Tebas unleashing a fresh round of criticism in the wake of a crucial referees’ meeting hosted by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and attended by all Spanish clubs except Real Madrid. The meeting, which aimed to address concerns and improve the standard of refereeing, turned into a platform for Tebas to lambaste Real Madrid’s perceived obstructionist behavior and their refusal to participate in collaborative efforts.
Audio Demands and VAR Controversies
At the heart of the conflict is Real Madrid’s demand for audio recordings of the video assistant referees (VAR) from their recent match against Espanyol. The club claims that these recordings are essential to shed light on what they perceive as poor refereeing decisions. Tebas, in his characteristic forthright manner, stated, “They should have been handed over to them, why not? That is my opinion. It is not Real Madrid’s decision that it goes to the ordinary courts, Real Madrid is against everything.” He further clarified that while he believes the VAR audios should be accessible, the final decision lies with the Federation’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA). This stance underscores the tension between Real Madrid’s aggressive pursuit of transparency and the institutional guidelines that govern such matters.
Victimhood and the Competition
Tebas’s frustration with Real Madrid runs deeper than just the VAR audio issue. He accuses the club of undermining the competition and the refereeing community, all while playing the victim card. “They are against everything, it is the reality, Real Madrid want to harm the competition, not just the refereeing community, they have built a story of victimhood that I think was the cherry on top of the story they published the other day,” Tebas said. The La Liga president believes that Real Madrid’s narrative of being wronged is “exaggerated, out of place, and with an objective” of disrupting the league’s integrity. His strong language, culminating in the assertion that Real Madrid has “lost their minds,” paints a picture of a club that he views as out of touch with the broader football community’s interests.
Launching an Official Complaint
Tebas’s verbal assault on Real Madrid is not just rhetoric; he is planning to take concrete action. He confirmed that La Liga will file a formal complaint against the club, possibly targeting the individual who signed the letter, the board of directors, or the club itself. “We are certainly going to file a complaint, just as we have filed a complaint against Real Madrid Television. We are going to see if the complaint is against the club, against the person who signed the letter, against the board of directors,” he said. Tebas views these actions as necessary to combat what he sees as falsehoods and half-truths that are intended to influence matters beyond their appropriate scope. His commitment to legal action signals a significant escalation in the ongoing feud.
Isolation and Widespread Discontent
The isolation of Real Madrid in this dispute is evident, as no other Spanish club has come to their defense. When asked about this, Tebas was succinct: “I’m not surprised, people are fed up.” This statement suggests a broader sentiment among La Liga clubs that Real Madrid’s confrontational tactics are detrimental to the league. The lack of solidarity from their peers highlights the extent to which Real Madrid’s actions are viewed negatively by the football community. It also underscores the challenge Tebas faces in maintaining a unified and fair competition amidst the discord.
A Call for Unity and Cooperation
In conclusion, Tebas emphasized the need for Real Madrid to engage more constructively with the other 41 clubs in La Liga. “For the competition to move forward, Real Madrid should listen to the other 41 clubs. Football does not revolve around Real Madrid. That path is not possible,” he said. Tebas’s message is clear: for the league to thrive, all clubs must work together and respect the established rules and processes. His call for unity and cooperation is a reminder that while Real Madrid is a giant in Spanish football, they are just one part of a larger ecosystem that depends on mutual respect and collaboration.
