Real Madrid have demanded the immediate resignation of La Liga president Javier Tebas after he compared the club's communication strategy and media coverage to propaganda methods used by Nazi Germany.
The controversy has intensified the long-running dispute between the Spanish giants and the league chief over refereeing decisions and criticism of the club.
Tebas made the remarks on social media on Friday, October 16, while criticising Real Madrid's in-house television channel, Real Madrid TV, for its coverage of refereeing decisions. The club responded with a strongly worded statement, calling his comments unacceptable and questioning his suitability to continue in his institutional roles.
ALSO READ: Infantino Apologises At FIFA Meeting Over World Cup Plan, But Questions Remain
Why Real Madrid Want Javier Tebas To Resign
In his social media post, Tebas accused Real Madrid's management of directing a coordinated communication campaign through media outlets and journalists. He criticised what he described as a pattern of highlighting controversial decisions, repeating grievances and creating suspicion around refereeing.
Tebas wrote that the approach recalled propaganda techniques associated with Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Germany's minister of propaganda during the Second World War. He subsequently clarified that his comparison concerned the methods of communication, rather than Nazi ideology or Real Madrid supporters.
Real Madrid rejected the remarks and demanded that Tebas step down both as La Liga president and as vice-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
In its statement, the club described the comparison with Nazi propaganda as “intolerable and extraordinarily serious”. It also accused Tebas of repeatedly targeting the club and argued that his conduct demonstrated a lack of neutrality, respect and impartiality.
Real Madrid further objected to what it described as Tebas attributing statements and actions by third parties to the club's management without sufficient justification.
Real Madrid And La Liga's Long-Running Feud
The latest controversy is another chapter in the strained relationship between Real Madrid and Tebas, who has led La Liga since 2013.
The club had already called for a change in league leadership in September after Tebas dismissed its complaints about refereeing decisions as a smokescreen for its performances on the pitch.
ALSO READ: Sunil Chhetri Biography: From Pitampura, Delhi, To India’s Greatest Footballing Icon
Real Madrid have repeatedly criticised Spanish football's refereeing standards, while Tebas has challenged the club's public messaging and its approach to raising concerns about officials. Their disagreements have also extended to wider questions about the direction and governance of Spanish football.
Despite the latest demand, Tebas remains in office. He was re-elected unopposed in 2023 for a term running until 2027, with La Liga's president elected by the 42 professional clubs in Spain's top two divisions.