Spanish league football is to be suspended from May 16th as a result of a dispute with the government. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is affronted at the small share it would get of pools money and there are also difficulties over legislation on television rights. However, one interpretation is that it is a move to head off a threatened players’ strike.
Spanish league football is to be suspended from May 16th as a result of a dispute with the government. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is affronted at the small share it would get of pools money and there are also difficulties over legislation on television rights. However, one interpretation is that it is a move to head off a threatened players’ strike.
The RFEF complains of ‘continued interference’ from the CSD, the national sports council, the removal of the Secretary of State for Sport and the allocation and spending of money.
Also cited are inspections by the Hacienda, the tax agency, in relation to amateur clubs, regulations clubs are to abide by as per the CSD, and the recent television rights agreement that was signed into law.
The RFEF claim they were never allowed to make contributions to the agreement, which moved Spanish football closer to a collective rights deal, rather than the individual rights that have previously been sold by clubs.
They complain of a ‘lack of respect’ from the government, but make clear they are willing to speak with the government in an effort to avert the strike action. This looks like negotiation through brinkmanship.