Florentino Perez Unleashes Scathing Attack on La Liga Chief to Defend Real Madrid
Real Madrid's president Florentino Pérez launched criticism at La Liga chief Javier Tebas regarding his unsuccessful Miami venture and his resistance to NFL events at the Bernabéu, continuing their longstanding public dispute.
Pérez and Tebas have consistently engaged in public confrontations in a conflict that positions Spain's most prominent club against its domestic league. These two leaders recently disagreed over the Royal Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) plan to stage Villarreal versus Barcelona on American territory, with Los Blancos strongly opposing this initiative.
The remaining 19 La Liga teams, including both Villarreal and Barcelona, supported Real Madrid's objection, acknowledging that the Catalans would gain an "unfair competitive benefit" by playing what should be an away fixture at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium—essentially a neutral venue.
The match was ultimately scrapped following widespread opposition, though Pérez continues to address the issue. The 78-year-old criticized both Tebas and the RFEF during the recent Assembly of Representative Members
"It's unacceptable for La Liga's president and the Spanish Football Federation's president, who should safeguard competitive integrity, to advocate for a fixture that compromises the championship," Pérez stated.
"It's unacceptable for them to endorse Barcelona gaining the benefit of playing one less match at their rivals' home venues. Even their own team captain, Frenkie de Jong, considers this inappropriate."
De Jong indeed criticized the suggested match, describing it as "unfair" that Barcelona would play fewer away games than all other league participants.
Pérez: La Liga President Has 'Sole Aim of Attacking Real Madrid'
Pérez also responded to Tebas's recent criticism of Real Madrid for hosting NFL action at the Bernabéu: "We must still endure Mr. Tebas comparing this absurdity to the worldwide showcase presented by the NFL at the Bernabéu. Once more, he's creating a story with the singular purpose of targeting Real Madrid."
The La Liga chief accused the Spanish powerhouse of double standards, noting they rejected the league's Miami game while accepting compensation to host the Miami Dolphins against the Washington Commanders in Madrid.
"The NFL event was flawless, legitimate, respectful and compliant with all competition regulations," Pérez added. "The comparison is ridiculous, because the NFL's international event does enjoy support from all 32 franchises and players in that league."
The Real Madrid president is naturally referencing how Tebas and the RFEF proceeded with Barcelona's suggested Miami game without securing approval from Spanish top-division clubs.