LaLiga president Tebas faces tribunal over Real Madrid propaganda

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has been referred to Spain's sports tribunal by the National Sports Council (CSD) after he likened Real Madrid's communication strategy to Nazi propaganda in posts on Friday. The CSD made the referral public, asking the tribunal to decide whether the remarks breach rules protecting sporting dignity and decorum. Tebas, a 64‑year‑old, faces possible sanctions ranging from warnings to fines or even suspension.

Referral and possible sanctions

The CSD cited Article 76.4.b of Law 10/1990 on Sport, which defines “notorious and public acts that infringe upon sporting dignity or decorum” as serious infractions. It asked the Administrative Tribunal for Sport (TAD) to assess whether Tebas’ comments constitute such an act. Sanctions for breaches can include formal warnings, monetary penalties and the possibility of a suspension from official duties.

Real Madrid's furious response

Real Madrid issued a statement demanding the immediate resignation of the 64‑year‑old LaLiga chief, accusing him of employing techniques used by Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels. The club described Tebas’ conduct as lacking neutrality, respect and impartiality, calling the comparison “absolutely intolerable and extraordinarily serious”. It added that his constant attacks on the club and those demanding transparency constitute “a real scourge for Spanish football”.

Tebas repeats defence and CSD's legal basis

Tebas returned to social media after the referral became public, reiterating that his comparison targeted only the club’s propaganda techniques, not its ideology. He suggested the CSD could also refer Real Madrid for questioning LaLiga’s integrity. In a later response, Tebas said he had not heard a single word of reproach from José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, the CSD secretary of state for sport, or other senior CSD officials.

He quoted his earlier post: “Defending the competition also requires responding to those who constantly discredit it. It’s part of my responsibility and I will keep exercising it.” The Spanish government’s Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) submitted a 16‑page reasoned proposal, signed by Rodríguez Uribes, to the TAD to evaluate the potential violation. The CSD highlighted Supreme Court jurisprudence defining sporting dignity and decorum as the framework for civilized coexistence in sport.

The CSD argued that safeguarding respect, coexistence and fair play is essential for all sports institutions, and that breaches by high‑profile officials threaten that framework. It stressed that reciprocal respect among those holding significant roles is a cornerstone of the sport’s ethical standards.

In his Spanish‑language reply, Tebas invoked the phrase “Una más” and criticised the silence of the CSD as “particularly striking”. He referenced a previous “Olmo” case and warned that any future ruling would be scrutinised by the courts. The dispute now rests with the Administrative Tribunal for Sport, which will decide whether the remarks breach the law.