How Javier Tebas Became La Liga's Most Hated Man

When Javier Tebas took charge of La Liga in 2013, the league was in a state of disarray. Multiple clubs were drowning in debt, players were not getting paid, and revenue was not up to par. Quickly, Tebas introduced a salary cap and imposed strict financial controls on all clubs participating in the league. Consequently, for a few years, his image was that of a man who saved Spanish football from inevitable collapse.

However, more than 12 years later, La Liga has found itself falling behind many of their biggest rivals. Commercially, the Premier League has reached unmatched levels of success, and leagues such as the Bundesliga, Serie A, and even the MLS are quickly making strides. Yet, on the other hand, it seems that La Liga is stagnant and falling behind.

Hero to Villain

The qualities which once made Tebas a well-respected and effective are now beginning to hold the league back. His strict regulations regarding financial discipline have began to drain La Liga of its star power and competitiveness on the European stage. For example, FC Barcelona had to sell promising young talents including the likes of Pablo Torre, Pau Vìctor, and Álex Valle in order to generate funds dedicated to the registration of players for the upcoming league campaign.

Over-Controlled Finances

Tebas's current financial systems only allows clubs to spend the revenue they generate (1:1 rule). While this rule made sense in 2013, its strict enforcement means that even the biggest of clubs in Spain struggle to make big-money signings. In FC Barcelona's case, this means having to pull "financial levers" in order to generate the revenue needed to spend in accordance with the 1:1 rule. Furthermore, rather than make expensive signings, Real Madrid has developed a new transfer strategy: wait until players are out of contract. As a result, they are able to sign players on free deals and thus spend an amount which would please the financial team at La Liga.

This rather stuck up approach to finance has made it incredibly difficult for La Liga teams to remain competitive on the European stage. Luckily, teams such as FC Barcelona are blessed with exceptional academies like La Masia, allowing them to develop stars rather than buy them outright. In spite of this, other teams in La Liga (such as newly promoted teams) may not have academies that are able to provide such players to the club. Consequently, their hopes of European glory are slim to none.

Constant Conflict

Tebas has also become known for his constant conflict. He has battled with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid over the topic of the European Super League, fought with the Spanish FA over scheduling issues, and has even criticized other leagues, organizations, and clubs.

What is the Solution?

Despite Javier Tebas's role in bringing La Liga back to its former glory in the 2010's era, those days are long gone. If La Liga wants to move into the future and grow both economically and in competitiveness, it seems there is only one viable option. Javier Tebas must part ways with La Liga.

Until that day comes, it seems highly likely that La Liga will be held back from the heights it can reach.