Spain refers LaLiga chief to tribunal over Real Madrid Nazi comments

By Adegboyega Adeleye

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has been referred to Spain’s sports tribunal over his comparison of Real Madrid’s communication tactics to Nazi propaganda, following the Spanish club’s demand for his resignation.

According to Reuters, Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD) announced on Thursday that it had referred Tebas to the Administrative Court for Sport (TAD) to determine whether his remarks breached regulations protecting sporting dignity and decorum.

The referral concerns comments Tebas made on social media on October 16, criticising Real Madrid’s handling of complaints about refereeing decisions and the club’s television coverage of match officials.

Tebas accused Real Madrid of using communication tactics that recalled propaganda methods employed by Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Germany’s propaganda minister.

Real Madrid subsequently demanded the immediate resignation of the 64-year-old, describing his comparison as unacceptable for someone holding the position of LaLiga president.

However, Tebas insisted that he was referring to propaganda techniques rather than Nazi ideology or Real Madrid’s supporters.

In its referral, the CSD asked the tribunal to assess whether the remarks could constitute a serious offence under Article 76.4.b of Spain’s 1990 Sports Law, which covers public acts that infringe upon sporting dignity or decorum.

Possible sanctions for such offences include warnings, fines or suspension.

The controversy followed Tebas’s criticism of Real Madrid’s efforts to challenge the standard of refereeing in Spanish football. The club has repeatedly questioned officiating decisions through its in-house television channel.

In a fresh post on X on Thursday, Tebas defended his comments and questioned why Real Madrid’s accusations against Spanish referees had not attracted similar scrutiny under the rules governing sporting dignity.

“Defending the competition also requires responding to those who constantly discredit it,” Tebas wrote, adding that he intended to continue exercising that responsibility.

He also argued that Real Madrid’s repeated questioning of the integrity of Spanish football could itself be examined under the same rules.

The AFP also reports that the CSD emphasised the importance of protecting respect, coexistence and fair play in sport.

The tribunal will determine whether the matter warrants disciplinary proceedings. No finding of wrongdoing against Tebas has been announced.

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