Tebas addresses dispute with Real Madrid: ‘As long as Florentino is president, the relationship is irreparable’ | OneFootball

La Liga president Javier Tebas spoke to the media at the XII Gala del Altruismo, earlier today, with much of the discussion focused on his ongoing dispute with Real Madrid.

The two parties have been at war for a while now, with the feud only escalating in recent days following the controversial Madrid derby which ended in a 2-1 loss for the Merengues.

Los Blancos were far from happy with the referee and some his decisions and made it abundantly clear through manager Jose Mourinho as well as the club’s Real Madrid TV broadcast.

Those comments sparked a response from Tebas, who called out Real Madrid over their complaints, which in turn prompted a strong response from the club, calling for a change of leadership in the league.

Tebas opens up on Real Madrid feud

After Real Madrid issued an official statement lashing out at him, Tebas himself made a lengthy post on X, hitting back at the club and insisting that the club was “diverting attention from other problems.”

Tebas has hit out at Real Madrid again. (Photo by Miguel Tovar/Getty Images)

During his public appearance, the La Liga chief Tebas referred back to the comments he published and defended his position, saying (h/t AS):

“If I weren’t responsible, I wouldn’t have been here for twelve years. We’ve been dealing with this for many years with Real Madrid Television, and when things go badly at the club, they criticise everything that moves.

“It’s a disgrace and a lack of respect for everyone: La Liga, the clubs and the supporters.”

Tebas was also asked about the refereeing decisions during the Madrid derby and the criticism from Real Madrid.

“I understand the criticism, but I can’t understand them saying that the competition is rigged. Some people must be looking at Bellingham’s incident through different glasses from everyone else. He could never be sent off for that,” he said.

“As for the Kang-in incident, it could have been a red card, but it wasn’t as clear-cut as others are making out,” Tebas added regarding Kang-in Lee’s challenge on Federico Valverde, despite the CTA admitting that the Atletico star should have been sent off.

His relationship with Florentino Perez

Tebas and Florentino Perez don’t see eye to eye. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Tebas was particularly direct when asked about his relationship with Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid.

“As long as Florentino remains president of Real Madrid, the relationship is irreparable. The problem is Florentino’s model of football. We don’t support that model. If there is another president in the future, we’ll see.”

Tebas added that he strongly disagrees with the club’s current leadership, while distinguishing that from his feelings towards Real Madrid itself.

“I’m not at all in agreement with the current directors, but I have nothing against Real Madrid. It’s been my team since I was a child,” he concluded.