Real Madrid have demanded the removal of LaLiga president Javier Tebas following their ongoing dispute over refereeing decisions, which escalated after Sunday's Madrid derby defeat to Atlético Madrid. The Spanish giants issued an official statement on Tuesday, accusing Tebas of using his institutional position to repeatedly criticise the club. They questioned his suitability to lead the league's governing organisation.
The latest confrontation followed Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Atlético at the Metropolitano Stadium, where manager José Mourinho expressed strong dissatisfaction with several refereeing decisions. Mourinho argued that Atlético players Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in should have received red cards for challenges involving Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. He used printed images during his post-match press conference to highlight the incidents.
Tebas responded to the controversy by rejecting the suggestion that refereeing decisions were part of a coordinated effort against Real Madrid. In a statement shared on social media, the LaLiga president said that claiming referees were directed against the club was "living in another galaxy". He also argued that the complaints were being used as an excuse to cover shortcomings in Real Madrid's performances during the opening stages of the season.
Tebas acknowledged that clubs could raise concerns about refereeing but criticised the manner in which Real Madrid had presented its objections. He defended the decision to send off Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen during the derby and said Romero had reached the ball first in his challenge on Bellingham. Regarding Lee Kang-in's tackle on Valverde, Tebas admitted that a red card could have been shown but suggested the speed of the incident helped explain why the referee did not take stronger action.
Real Madrid responded by accusing Tebas of making repeated public attacks against the club and interfering in matters beyond his institutional responsibilities. The club argued that the LaLiga president should focus on strengthening trust in the competition's governing structures and protecting the principles of neutrality and impartiality. They called for a new leader capable of managing the league in the interests of every participating club.
The latest dispute adds to the long-running tension between Tebas and Real Madrid, whose relationship has previously been strained by disagreements over league governance, financial matters and the proposed European Super League. Real Madrid currently sit fourth in LaLiga, six points behind leaders Barcelona, following their defeat against Atlético.
The exchange between the club and Tebas ensures that the debate over refereeing, institutional neutrality and the responsibilities of Spanish football leadership will continue beyond the Madrid derby. Real Madrid's demand for Tebas' exit has intensified the scrutiny on LaLiga's leadership and the role of its president in maintaining the integrity of the competition.
Key points
- Real Madrid demands Javier Tebas' exit over refereeing row
- Tebas rejects Real Madrid's claims of anti-club refereeing conspiracy
- Dispute adds to long-running tension between Tebas and Real Madrid
