Javier Tebas delivers strong message to Real Madrid’s Florentino Perez after Copa del Rey referee controversy
Just 24 hours before kickoff, the Copa del Rey final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid has been engulfed in even more controversy. Following the drama surrounding the referees, La Liga president Javier Tebas has delivered a strong message to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Reports that Real Madrid was considering pulling out of the Copa del Rey final raised concern among fans, players, and executives within the Spanish Federation. Weighing in on the situation, Tebas addressed the issue directly with a scathing critique of the club’s leadership.
“This isn’t soccer; it’s a power play. He doesn’t like Tebas because he doesn’t do what he wants. He doesn’t like Ceferin because he doesn’t do what he wants. He doesn’t like Louzán because he doesn’t do what he wants. He doesn’t like TV commentators because they don’t say what he wants. They don’t want progress on refereeing reform because it’s not the reform he wants,” Tebas wrote on his X account.
The La Liga president then reflected on the latest controversy surrounding the Copa del Rey final: “And now, after the referees’ statements — tired of the constant harassment from Real Madrid TV — he responds the only way he knows how: Cancels the press conference. Skips the training session at La Cartuja. Snubs the official events for the Copa del Rey final. Leaks that he may not even show up for the final.”
Tebas concluded his statement with a sharp critique of Florentino Perez’s influence. “What thin skin. He doesn’t protest — he pressures. He doesn’t complain — he threatens. He doesn’t disagree — he punishes. He doesn’t want to improve soccer — he wants soccer on his terms. And the worst part isn’t that he tries. The worst part is that so many allow it, enable it, and help him do it,” he stated.
Although Spanish Federation executives have reassured that the final will proceed as planned, tensions between Real Madrid and the Federation remain high. Tebas’ remarks exposed what he views as Perez‘s longstanding methodology and influence in Spanish football.
Tebas’ clashes with Real Madrid throughout the 2024–25 Season
Real Madrid’s complaints about refereeing in Spain have become one of the most recurring and high-profile topics of the 2024–25 season. The controversy has seen several flashpoints in La Liga, with Real Madrid and La Liga president Javier Tebas clashing on multiple occasions.
Earlier this season, Real Madrid filed a formal complaint against La Liga regarding officiating decisions they believed harmed the club. In an interview with The Objective, Tebas again criticized the club’s posture: “I know many Real Madrid fans who disagree with Real Madrid, which is a whiny club; it’s always crying. They cry one weekend, then the next, and it’s all the fault of a conspiracy.”