Tebas laments ‘missed opportunity for Spanish football’ as Villarreal v Barcelona in US is cancelled | OneFootball

Following the announcement that the Villarreal vs Barcelona match scheduled for December 20 in Miami would not take place, La Liga president Javier Tebas shared his reaction via X. 

The news of the cancellation came late Tuesday, after Relevent, the company responsible for organising the match, decided to withdraw “due to the uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks.”

Tebas did not shy away from pointing fingers, making veiled references to UEFA and Real Madrid in his statement. 

Regarding the cancellation, he accused “the institutions that govern European football, those who appeal to the integrity of the competition, who put pressure on referees and rulers,” highlighting what he described as long-standing distortions and undue pressures in the sport. 

He added, “those who have been constructing distorted narratives for years or using political and media pressure as a sporting tool.”

Tebas highlights commitment of clubs

Despite the controversy, Tebas expressed gratitude to the clubs involved, acknowledging their professionalism and dedication. 

“I would like to thank Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona for their commitment and generosity in being part of a project that sought only to grow our competition. 

“They weren’t thinking about themselves, they were thinking about everyone,” he wrote.

He also reflected on the broader implications of the cancellation, emphasising his vision for Spanish football. 

“Today, Spanish football has lost an opportunity to move forward, project itself to the world, and strengthen its future. 

“The defence of ‘tradition’ is invoked from a narrow-minded and provincial perspective, while the true traditions of European football are threatened by decisions made by the institutions that govern it. 

“This, year after year, destroys the national leagues, the real driving force behind the football industry in Europe, in the face of the naivety and passivity of European leaders who are unable to distinguish the insignificant from the essential.”

Tebas concluded by reaffirming LaLiga’s commitment to the sustainability and competitiveness of Spanish football. 

“LaLiga will continue to work, with rigour and conviction, to ensure that Spanish football remains competitive, standing up to those who seek to destroy it, but always with respect for its roots and ensuring its sustainability. 

“Spanish football deserves to look to the future with ambition, not fear,” he concluded.