The controversial match abroad was cancelled amid backlash from players and clubs
La Liga president Javier Tebas has slammed “narrow-minded” critics of the plan to play competitive matches abroad, after the controversial fixture between Barcelona and Villareal was cancelled due to backlash in Spain.
The league confirmed this week that the match would no longer take place, citing “the uncertainty that has arisen in recent weeks”.
Tebas said that by cancelling the plans, La Liga had “lost an opportunity to advance, project itself globally, and strengthen its future”.
In a scathing social media post, he tore into critics both within Spain and across Europe.
“The defence of ‘tradition’ is invoked from a narrow-minded and provincial perspective, while the true traditions of European football are threatened by decisions by the governing institutions, which year after year destroy national leagues, the true driving force of the European football industry, amid the naivety and passivity of European leaders who fail to distinguish the inconsequential from the essential,” said Tebas.
“The ‘integrity of the competition’ is invoked by those who have been questioning that same integrity for years, pressuring referees and leaders, constructing distorted narratives, or using political and media pressure as a sporting tool.
The comment about “the integrity of the competition” and “pressuring referees and leaders” seems particularly directed towards Real Madrid, the most prominent opponents of the move within La Liga.
Madrid publicly criticised the idea and called on both Uefa, Fifa and Spain’s Supreme Sports Council to block the plans. Tebas’ mention of pressuring referees relates to the saga within La Liga in which Madrid have regularly criticised Spanish refereeing.
Despite the setback, Tebas made it clear the idea was not dead.
“La Liga will continue working, with rigour and conviction, to keep Spanish football competitive, standing up to those who seek to destroy it, but always respecting its roots and ensuring its sustainability,” said Tebas.
“Spanish football deserves to look to the future with ambition, not fear. We will keep trying. This time, we came very close.”
