Tebas rules out Madrid presidency: 'I've got enough on my plate with LaLiga'
LaLiga president Javier Tebas dismissed any interest in taking the reins at Real Madrid while addressing Barcelona stadium issues and ongoing legal battles.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has shot down any notion of a future Real Madrid presidency bid, making it clear his current role gives him plenty of headaches already.
No Bernabéu ambitions
Speaking at the tenth gala of the Madrid Sports Press Association, Tebas addressed a wide range of topics affecting Spanish football, including a blunt response when asked if he’d ever fancy the top job at Los Blancos.
“No, no. I’ve got neither the age nor the desire for it - I’ve got enough with LaLiga,” Tebas stated, putting to bed any speculation about potential future moves.
Camp Nou leaks and stadium standards
Tebas took a diplomatic approach when questioned about recent issues with Barcelona’s stadium, which has experienced leaking during matches while undergoing extensive renovation:
- Defended the Camp Nou situation as normal for a stadium under construction
- Distinguished between Barça’s temporary issues and Rayo Vallecano’s long-standing stadium problems
- Insisted Rayo’s situation is more concerning as “the president himself says it’s not in proper condition”
Legal battles and Florentino friction
The LaLiga chief also addressed the organisation’s ongoing legal tussles, particularly with players’ unions and Real Madrid:
- Defended taking legal action against players over international break regulations
- Claimed he doesn’t complain about Madrid’s numerous legal challenges, only “gives objective data” about their frequency
- Referenced Florentino Pérez’s apparent desire to “annihilate” him
When asked about fans chanting for Florentino Pérez to resign at recent matches, Tebas simply noted: “I hear many people [chanting] in many stadiums. When someone is angry, the fans…”
Other topics
Tebas also touched on:
- Continuing efforts to hold a LaLiga match in Miami
- Barcelona’s upcoming presidential elections (claiming neutrality)
- Dismissing concerns about potential disqualification proceedings in February
The LaLiga president’s comments highlight the continuing tension between the league and some of its most powerful clubs, particularly Real Madrid, while firmly establishing he has no interest in trading his current role for the Bernabéu hot seat.