Javier Tebas says Morocco’s World Cup role could be reviewed over Ceuta claims

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, has said the organisation of the World Cup should be reconsidered if it is established that the Moroccan government was involved in what he described as an “invasion” of Ceuta.

Tebas was speaking at the official opening of Eibar’s new sports complex in Areitio, where he also addressed several current issues in Spanish football. His comments were reported by AS.

The La Liga president was first asked about Kylian Mbappe’s explanation of his actions during the controversy surrounding shirts in support of Ceuta.

“The aim was to correct a mistake,” Tebas said. “Nobody questions what Mbappe says, but the problem is not what he said. It is everything that is being discussed around it.”

He added: “For many Spaniards, the problem is that there is an invasion. Every day, someone is surprised by the numbers. Is it 8,000, 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000? I do not know.”

Asked whether the issue could lead to a dispute with the Moroccan Football Association, Tebas called for a thorough investigation before any conclusions were reached.

“It is not my decision whether the organisation of the World Cup should continue or not,” he said. “But certainly, if it is proven that the Moroccan government intervened in the invasion that took place in Ceuta, then we must reconsider everything, mustn’t we?”

Tebas also welcomed Lionel Messi’s move into the ownership of Eldense, saying the Argentine’s investment reflected confidence in Spanish football.

“It is an honour that a player like Messi has decided to put part of his investments into a football club in Spain,” he said. “That means he trusts the competition and trusts La Liga.”

He also pointed to Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement with Almeria.

“As I remember, Cristiano Ronaldo owns 25% of Almeria,” Tebas said. “For us, that is a source of pride: that he sees this as a good place to do it and to consider his business future in football.”

The La Liga president was then asked about the postponement of Levante’s match against Athletic Club because of a severe storm. The decision prompted questions over whether the authorities had acted quickly enough, but Tebas defended the process.

“An orange weather warning had been issued at 14:00,” he said. “There are many football matches where we have an orange warning at that time and the games still take place.”

“When there is an orange warning, a working group is formed, and it remained in constant contact with both clubs. Neither club, nor any of the relevant institutions, said the match should be cancelled. In fact, the sun was shining at 19:00, and even when the players began warming up there was no heavy rain.”

Tebas concluded: “I believe we were cautious in this case. It is right that we should feel sorry for the fans who travelled to attend the match, but the protocol and the rules were followed – the rules that are normally applied.”