La Liga president Javier Tebas has defended the Spanish league’s economic model, contrasting its continental successes with those of state-backed clubs such as PSG and Manchester City — of whom he said, “they have been cheating for ten years”.
La Liga faces regular scrutiny over its financial regulations, with critics claiming Spanish clubs are disadvantaged compared to other European leagues. Tebas, speaking at an event hosted by Expansion and PKF Attest*, insisted the reality is the opposite: Spain enforces the rules, while others bend them.
“Football is global, and in European competitions you face clubs operating under a different system — either with no financial control or with entirely different rules. In England, there’s concern over the debt levels in football. Clubs there can lose for a year or two, but Manchester City have been operating at a loss and cheating for nine or ten years since the new owners arrived,” Tebas stated, taking aim at the Sky Blues.
He also criticised PSG, noting Spain’s ability to compete in Europe without such financial backing: “PSG have reported losses of €200 million for seven consecutive years. Yet we compete — the results speak for themselves. La Liga clubs have won 30 more European titles than the Premier League this century.”
“The clubs approve the rules”
Responding to criticism, Tebas highlighted the rigour of La Liga’s system: “There are more than 200 articles, and naturally, people always look for loopholes. But that’s why we have rules. Financial control is basic accounting: what income I have, what expenses, and what debt I need to pay. Revenue comes from TV, matchday and commercial activities — four sources in total.”
He also defended the league’s model as beneficial for Spain’s public finances: “We are the only sector where no club has gone into liquidation. Generating €500 million more in one year enabled us to initiate debt restructuring while implementing Financial Fair Play. Otherwise, that money would have gone to players, cars and luxury purchases instead of paying public debt.”
Focus on matchday revenue
Tebas acknowledged that Spanish football still lags behind in matchday income: “We have a deficit of around €600 million per season compared to the Premier League and Bundesliga. We need to correct this to remain competitive.”
One solution, he said, is expanding VIP areas: “Spanish stadiums have 4.3% VIP boxes, compared to 9% in the Bundesliga and 11.5% in the Premier League. Increasing these is a key reason for the CVC investment. It will generate significantly more income, helping clubs sign players. I expect this to be resolved within four years.”