Javier Tebas responds to Real Madrid’s resignation demand and defends controversial propaganda comparison

Javier Tebas responds to Real Madrid’s resignation demand and defends controversial propaganda comparison La Liga president Javier Tebas has defended his controversial comparison between Real Madrid’s communication methods and Nazi-era propaganda techniques. The remarks drew heavy scrutiny, but Tebas has now explained why he stands by them. In a new statement published on X, Tebas maintained that his criticism was directed at the communication strategies employed by Real Madrid TV and figures defending the club, rather than at supporters or their political beliefs. Tebas refuses to back down The controversy began when Tebas accused Madrid’s media operation of using methods resembling those associated with Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Germany’s propaganda minister. Real Madrid subsequently demanded his resignation . There have also been suggestions that Spain’s Higher Sports Council (CSD) is considering possible disciplinary action . To support his original remarks, Tebas pointed to journalism courses examining historical propaganda methods and their relevance to modern communication. “A concrete example: the University of La Laguna. “In its Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, the mandatory first-year course General Theory of Informative Messages includes in the 2025-2026 course syllabus this exercise: “Exercise on the transposition of Goebbels’ 11 principles of Propaganda to the present day. “The comparison is with those propaganda techniques, not with an ideology and certainly not with Real Madrid supporters,” he reiterated. He argued that repeatedly highlighting selected incidents, presenting suspicions as established facts and creating a permanent enemy were legitimate grounds for criticism. Tebas also challenged Madrid to disclose how many fixture-change requests the club had submitted and how many La Liga had approved. “Outrage does not refute them,” he wrote, referring to his accusations. He concluded by insisting that demanding his resignation did not answer the questions he had raised. Tebas’ explanation does not settle the controversy There is an important distinction between studying propaganda techniques and invoking Goebbels in a public dispute involving Spain’s biggest football institutions. Tebas is entitled to challenge Real Madrid TV’s coverage and question whether the club presents refereeing incidents selectively. However, as La Liga president, he also has a responsibility to maintain confidence in the competition’s leadership. Florentino Perez, Real Madrid and La Liga do not share a great relationship. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) His clarification may explain what he intended, but it does not remove the inflammatory nature of the original comparison or the lack of sensitivity it showed. Real Madrid deserve answers, not escalating hostility Madrid’s concerns about refereeing decisions and fixture scheduling should be assessed on their merits. Drawing public comparisons about how Madrid communicate their concerns, instead of addressing the underlying issues, is precisely why Tebas is holding La Liga back. The disagreement should be resolved through consistent decision-making rather than turned into an ego battle between the league and one of its biggest clubs. What makes the situation particularly troubling is that the league president appears increasingly unable to engage in constructive discussion. Tebas’ latest statement is yet another example of everything that is wrong with La Liga at the moment, and it remains to be seen how Real Madrid respond.