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When we get coffee later, the majority of individuals tend to support my viewpoint.” Javier Tebas is contemplating why, in the divided realm of European football, he often seems to be the lone prominent figure voicing opposition to the direction of the sport.
The role of La Liga president automatically places him within the established system: for nearly 11 years, he has managed the second wealthiest league globally. However, not many high-level executives are willing to disrupt the status quo and vigorously challenge the increasing discrepancies that may alienate top-tier football from all except a select few.
“I have no hesitation in speaking my mind,” he declares while seated in his organization’s London headquarters, which has been operational since 2020. “Some individuals struggle to step out of their comfort zones. They claim to be acting cautiously, but this caution can result in cowardice and recklessness by not standing up for what needs to be defended.”
Tebas has frequently relied on aggressive tactics as a means of protection. He has continuously rejected the Super League plan, which eagerly took advantage of the attention brought on by the European court of justice’s recent ruling that Uefa’s system for approving competitions was insufficient.
Each party declared some level of success, but in reality it resulted in a stalemate and did not contribute to the revival of a discredited plan. According to him, the Super League structure is highly unlikely to be approved by clubs, essentially meaning it will not be accepted at all.
He is comparing the 64-team system proposed by A22, the company in charge of the idea, to a potential Champions League pyramid suggested by former European Club Association president Andrea Agnelli in 2019. This proposed plan for a mostly closed tournament was widely rejected at the time. He states, “The new proposal is even worse than that one, which the majority of clubs and leagues fought to eliminate.” He believes it will not receive support from clubs and will be difficult to approve. According to him, the current system, despite its flaws, is superior and more effective than what the Super League is proposing.
As long as the new 36-team Swiss model for the Champions League, starting in 2024-25, is successful, the statement mentioned earlier will remain relevant. However, if the Super League fails, the responsibility falls on the two clubs that have been promoting it the most – Real Madrid and Barcelona. These clubs have been reluctant to give up on the Super League, and Tebas quickly blames Florentino Pérez, his arch-rival.
Their ongoing disagreement over control of media rights in La Liga has caused a rift between Real’s president and Tebas, with no resolution in sight. The issue first arose in 2015 when La Liga clubs’ media rights were centralized in an effort to create a more equal playing field for commercial opportunities in Spain. The two parties have not met since a dinner three years ago and Tebas has declined any attempts to reconcile. Tebas compared the situation to someone trying to break into his home, stating that he will not come to an agreement with someone who is trying to rob him. He believes that Real’s president’s ultimate goal is for the wealthiest clubs to have complete control over European football, while the rest are left as mere followers who should be content with whatever they are given.
“I have significant disagreements with Florentino regarding our views on professional football. Our models are polar opposites, both domestically and in Europe. There is no room for compromise as they are completely contrasting and there is no middle ground.”
He denies the idea that the Premier League’s financial strength and its role as a virtual Super League are the main factors driving Pérez and his Barcelona counterpart, Joan Laporta, to go against the norm. Barcelona, facing potential consequences for not adhering to UEFA’s financial fair play regulations and limited in their domestic actions for similar reasons, have their own motives for causing turmoil. Real Madrid reported a profit of approximately €12m (£10.2m) in the 2022-23 season and achieved a record-breaking revenue of €843m (£724m).
Tebas questions why the group is so invested in England when they are generating a significant amount of revenue. He believes they have created a story to rationalize their actions.
He is addressing the situation at Everton this week, his second time speaking on the matter, where Nottingham Forest was found to have violated the Premier League’s FFP rules. The approach to punishments in England is different from the preventive measures in place in Spain’s top division. “Our system is effective,” he states. “The events in England align with what we have been expressing in La Liga for a long time. The Premier League was operating at a deficit and was not sustainable. This is why there are now sanctions being imposed.”
Should English football follow Spain’s example? This is a question that can be directed to Leicester City, as they would have avoided relegation if Everton had received a 10-point deduction last season. It is crucial to conduct these checks in real-time to prevent such unfairness. Ultimately, success should be achieved through adherence to both sporting and economic regulations on the field.
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This brings Tebas to another subject he is passionate about. He has consistently criticized government-funded clubs, primarily for their excessive spending rather than their mere existence. With a transfer window that has seen less extravagant spending, he detects a shift in mindset and possibly a recognition, due to Financial Fair Play regulations, that overspending must be curbed.
According to him, the Premier League teams have only spent €38m so far this season compared to the €800m spent at this time last year, with state-backed clubs playing a significant role. However, it seems that there will be a decrease in spending from state-backed clubs this time around, resulting in a ripple effect.
“We will monitor the situation and remain cautious. It seems that Uefa and the Premier League have recognized the flaws of a state-funded club system or a continuously loss-making heavily funded club. The credibility of the competition is in jeopardy.”
Since April of last year, Tebas has been significantly involved in the Union of European Clubs (UEC), which was created to give “non-elite” clubs in Europe a stronger voice. The UEC has not been transparent about its members, while the European Club Association (ECA), recognized by Uefa as the only entity representing clubs, has been trying to include lesser-known teams under its umbrella.
“The ruling of the ECJ in December may pave the way for UEC to be acknowledged by Uefa,” he explains. “UEC is a beneficial organization and not aimed against anyone. Uefa has the opportunity to recognize an association that prioritizes the protection of European football. This is a show of support for Uefa and goes against proposals such as the Super league. It is illogical to reject this recognition. UEC is not in opposition to ECA, a common misconception. It is important to understand that UEC aims to enhance, not diminish, the overall landscape.”
Despite being involved in other projects, he has not disregarded his promise to pursue legal action in order to stop the expansion of the Club World Cup to 32 teams. He states, “It’s a top priority for me.” He references a previous ruling by the European Court of Justice, which applies not only to the Super League but also to decisions made by Fifa that are deemed unfair and harmful to the football industry. He concludes, “That’s all I can say.”
Is it possible for him to envision Gianni Infantino’s personal venture failing? “I certainly hope so. I will do everything in my power to make it happen. And it’s not just us, the players are also worried about their well-being. This type of competition only benefits a few clubs and causes a cramped schedule.”
At the age of 61, his tenacity remains unwavering. During a UEC meeting in October, he warned that the future of European football could become bleak. Does he still hold that belief? “If we take a proactive stance and follow the right approach, the complete opposite of what the Super League is demonstrating, I don’t see it as such a dire situation. But if we sit back and do nothing, then we will definitely encounter serious problems.” The discussions over coffee may now hold even greater importance.
Source: theguardian.com
