Real Madrid has issued a sharp official statement demanding the immediate resignation of Javier Tebas from two positions: President of La Liga and Vice President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The move was prompted by remarks from the official comparing the Madrid club's communication strategy to the methods of Joseph Goebbels, the propaganda minister of Nazi Germany. The club called such comparisons unacceptable and pointed to a systemic lack of neutrality and respect from the head of the Spanish championship.
Cause of Conflict: Criticism of Publications and 'Enemy Image'
The immediate trigger was Tebas's statements made against the backdrop of publications by journalists Tomás González Martín and Jesús Urdiola in El Debate. According to the La Liga president, these materials are increasingly difficult to distinguish from official statements by Real Madrid's management. The official claimed that the club systematically repeats accusations, forms an 'enemy image,' and positions itself as a victim of refereeing decisions. At the same time, Tebas clarified that he was comparing propaganda methods specifically, rather than Nazi ideology or the Madrid fans.
Real Madrid's Reaction: 'Incompatible with Institutional Duties'
Real Madrid considered the La Liga president's remarks offensive and accused him of systematic attacks on the team, club president Florentino Pérez, and the club's television channel. The statement emphasizes that Tebas's behavior demonstrates a lack of neutrality, respect, and impartiality, which is incompatible with his institutional duties, and that his constant attacks on Real Madrid and those demanding transparency and renewal represent a real problem for Spanish football.
Negreira Case and Call for Arbitration System Reform
The Madrid club placed a special emphasis on the 'Negreira Case,' which concerns Barcelona's multi-year payments to the former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees of Spain. Real Madrid stated that it has appealed to UEFA demanding a complete investigation into the circumstances of these payments. In addition, the club called for a comprehensive overhaul of the arbitration system and the governing structures of Spanish football, linking these steps to the overall theme of transparency.
Chronology of Escalation: Second Statement in Less Than a Month
As noted by Sport RBC.UA, this is Real Madrid's second public statement against Tebas in less than a month. The previous one was released on September 22 following comments by the La Liga president regarding refereeing in the Madrid derby against Atlético. Thus, by mid-October 2026, the conflict between the club and the head of La Liga has escalated into a public demand for resignation, making it one of the sharpest institutional disputes in Spanish football in recent times.
