Official: Real Madrid Statement Addressing Javier Tebas’s Allegations
Real Madrid CF has issued a formal statement in response to severe accusations made by Javier Tebas, president of La Liga and vice-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Tebas controversially compared the management methods of Real Madrid to those used by Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda under the Nzi regime, specifically implicating Real Madrid Television as part of this alleged strategy.
Condemnation of Offensive Comparisons
Real Madrid CF categorically rejects and condemns the comparison made by Javier Tebas. The club finds it absolutely intolerable and extremely serious that a person holding such high-ranking positions in Spanish football would draw parallels between the club’s communication efforts and the propaganda tactics of one of history’s most infamous totalitarian regimes.
While Tebas clarified he was not referencing Nzi ideology itself, Real Madrid highlights that this clarification does nothing to lessen the gravity of the statements. They stress that the analogy is deeply offensive, morally repugnant, and institutionally undignified.
Accusations Against Real Madrid and Its Media
The club views this incident as yet another chapter in Javier Tebas’s continued attacks against Real Madrid’s board, its president, and its media outlets, especially Real Madrid Television. Tebas is accused of unjustly attributing the actions of third parties to the club, based on media questions, external information, or opinions unrelated to Real Madrid’s responsibilities.
Real Madrid emphasizes that such attacks are unacceptable and only serve to politicize and damage the club’s reputation without basis.
The Negreira Case and Call for Transparency
A particularly sensitive point in the statement is Tebas’s attempt to use these statements to question Real Madrid and its television channel’s legitimate role concerning the Negreira case. This scandal involves alleged payments made by FC Barcelona to the Vice President of the Technical Committee of Referees over several years, raising concerns about corruption and integrity in Spanish football.
Real Madrid regrets the lack of response from both La Liga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation—two key bodies where Javier Tebas holds powerful roles. Because of this vacuum, the club has appealed directly to UEFA, urging a thorough investigation into the matter and demanding effective measures to safeguard the integrity of national competitions.
Demands for Structural Reform
Real Madrid CF is calling for a complete overhaul of the refereeing system, alongside sweeping reforms in the federation’s governance, management, supervisory, and disciplinary structures. It insists that those who held positions of responsibility during the contested period must be replaced to restore trust and transparency in Spanish football.
Criticism of Javier Tebas’s Conduct
The club also directly criticizes Javier Tebas, pointing out that:
- His persistent efforts focus on discrediting Real Madrid instead of addressing pressing institutional problems.
- His conduct reflects a lack of neutrality, respect, and impartiality.
- These attributes are fundamentally incompatible with his roles as president of La Liga and vice-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
Real Madrid believes Tebas’s repeated attacks on the club and those advocating for transparency represent a scourge on Spanish football.
Demand for Resignation
Based on these criticisms, Real Madrid CF concludes that Javier Tebas’s statements and behavior would be unacceptable in any European sports institution that values respect, neutrality, and integrity. Consequently, the club demands his immediate resignation from both his positions as La Liga president and vice-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
Moving Forward: Defending Integrity and Institutional Prestige
Real Madrid finishes its statement affirming its dedication to protecting:
- Its legal rights and institutional prestige.
- The full clarification of the Negreira case.
- The necessary regeneration and reform of Spanish football.
The club vows to continue its fight for transparency and integrity, standing resolute amid what it perceives to be politically motivated personal attacks.
Real Madrid’s official statement clearly demonstrates the seriousness with which the club takes these accusations and underscores its commitment to upholding football’s principles of fairness and respect. The ongoing tension between the club and Javier Tebas highlights the broader challenges faced by Spanish football as it grapples with issues of governance and integrity.
