Javier Tebas talks Madrid derby, relationship with Perez, Real Madrid TV – ‘He wants to fire me'
In a wide-ranging conversation, Tebas did not shy away from calling out what he sees as fundamental problems affecting the domestic competition.
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Tebas voiced his frustration with external competitions disrupting the La Liga calendar, especially as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are both set to participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
When asked about the potential of a Madrid derby to open the 2025–26 season, Tebas was firm in his response.
'An Atletico-Real Madrid match on Matchday 1 is impossible,' he said. 'This isn't like the Super Cup.
'That fixture is far too important for broadcasters. When the time comes, we'll make decisions with the relevant bodies.
'But we can't keep changing our league schedule for events we don't agree with or that harm Spanish football. We have to respect the collective bargaining agreement with AFE.'
Relationship with Florentino Perez
The La Liga chief made it clear that his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is practically non-existent due to their opposing views on how football should be run.
Tebas and Perez's relationship is strained. (Photo by Gonzalo)
'With the club, relations are as they should be. We can broadcast their games, and we do it well,' Tebas stated. 'But with Florentino Perez, there is no relationship. We're on completely different paths.
'He supports a model based on elitism and an oligarchic vision—the Super League. I don't support that. It's not about club management, it's about how the competition is structured.'
Tebas even went so far as to accuse Perez of using personal influence to attempt to oust him. 'He keeps saying over lunch that he wants to fire me and claims the CSD agrees with him. I've filed countless complaints with the TAD because of him.'
On Real Madrid TV
Tebas also commented on the recurring controversy surrounding Real Madrid TV, which has often published videos critical of La Liga referees.
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He drew attention to the timing of their media output, suggesting it was more strategic than principled.
'Barcelona complains once or twice a season. Real Madrid complains every week.
'What stood out to me is that once they were no longer in the title race, those videos stopped. If their goal was to denounce the Liga Negreira case, why did they stop?' Tebas questioned.
Source: AS
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