Javier Tebas under investigation after Spanish sports body refers comments to court

Spanish football authorities have referred Javier Tebas to the Administrative Court for Sport over comments comparing Real Madrid’s communication methods with Nazi propaganda, opening a new legal confrontation that could affect the La Liga president’s position.

The Spanish government said on Thursday that the Spanish Higher Sports Council had acted on its own initiative by filing a complaint against Tebas. The case concerns remarks in which he likened the way Real Madrid and its television channel communicate to propaganda associated with Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Germany’s minister of propaganda.

Tebas spoke last week about what he called the “propaganda mechanisms used by Goebbels”, referring to what he described as Real Madrid’s communication methods.

The Higher Sports Council has asked the Administrative Court for Sport to determine whether those comments amount to a serious breach under Spanish sports law, including conduct that could damage the dignity or standing of sport.

The council said mutual respect between figures and institutions in sport was essential to maintaining an environment based on coexistence and fair play. It added that the court would assess whether the relevant legal provisions applied to Tebas’ statements.

Could Tebas be suspended?

One possible consequence is a suspension from carrying out his duties if the court finds that Tebas committed an offence meriting punishment.

However, the referral of the complaint does not represent a finding of guilt and does not automatically mean Tebas will be removed from his role. Any decision will depend on the court’s assessment of the facts and the relevant legal provisions.

Tebas has already defended his remarks, saying his comparison was limited to methods of propaganda and communication. He stressed that it was not directed at Nazi ideology or at Real Madrid supporters.

He also criticised Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes, president of the Spanish Higher Sports Council, over the possibility of the case being referred to the court. Tebas questioned why similar action had not been taken over comments by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who has said the club had been treated unfairly in the title race because of refereeing decisions.

A separate complaint is also expected to broaden the dispute. The Transparency and Democracy in Sport association said it plans to submit a criminal complaint in the coming days against Rodriguez Uribes and the council’s deputy for legal sports affairs.

The association alleges possible administrative offences linked to a failure to carry out official duties. Its president, Miguel Angel Galan, said nine earlier complaints against Tebas had remained stalled for more than a year without being sent to the Administrative Court for Sport.

Galan said the law required those complaints to be referred to the court.

The dispute is therefore developing on two parallel tracks: the government-backed complaint, which concerns Tebas’ comments, and a counter-action challenging the Higher Sports Council’s handling of previous complaints against the La Liga president.

Tebas’ future in the role will depend on the decisions taken by the competent judicial authorities.