Javier Tebas Discusses LaLiga and the Supercopa de España

In Yeda, where the Supercopa de España final will be held on Sunday, Javier Tebas discussed pressing topics in Spanish football and LaLiga. The president downplayed the recent altercation between Simeone and Vinicius during the semifinal and refrained from commenting on Barcelona’s ability to make transfers in upcoming markets.

Initially critical of the Supercopa’s relocation outside Spain, Tebas has softened his stance: “If you look back at my comments, I was not opposed to the Supercopa being held abroad. At the time, I thought it was a reasonable idea, although I questioned whether it was the most suitable country. Now, after visiting Saudi Arabia numerous times for various reasons and witnessing their commitment, I believe it is an appropriate choice for the event.”

With a classic matchup in the final, Tebas acknowledged, “LaLiga is certainly pleased, especially with the teams that have reached the final being Real Madrid and Barcelona. This match represents one of the greatest spectacles in world football, within an official competition, showcasing Spanish football. These clubs enhance the prestige of the Supercopa, our league, and our competitions. There is a significant synergy among them, contrary to previous beliefs.”

Regarding the Vinicius-Simeone incident, Tebas advised, “Ask Simeone. We’ve discussed this numerous times; players and coaches experience heightened emotions during matches, particularly in high-stakes games like yesterday’s. It’s essential to recognize these occurrences as part of the game. As Simeone says, these events are often anecdotal and happen every weekend.”

On the topic of hosting a LaLiga match abroad, he commented, “Yes, but not a Clásico. That is impossible in a league competition. We will continue to explore this option, and we are increasingly close to achieving it. However, I do not envy what is happening here; rather, I take pride in the competitive nature of these events, as evidenced by the enthusiastic crowds in the stadiums. I respect the numerous fans of Spanish football beyond our borders who endure the highs and lows alongside their teams. It is important to acknowledge their passion for a yearly league match.”

When questioned about Barcelona’s financial situation and their ability to make signings, he stated, “I am not aware of Barcelona’s Fair Play status, so I cannot provide an answer. I do not keep tabs on these daily matters. LaLiga employs over 800 individuals across various offices worldwide. For instance, I was in Riyadh working yesterday and did not attend the match, so I have no insight. I communicate with Laporta over the phone and had the chance to greet him here in Yeda, but we did not delve into specifics.”