This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. La Liga president Javier Tebas addressed several current issues in Spanish football during an ISDE event, including the attempted return of Lionel Messi, categorically denying having given the green light to Barcelona. Tebas refuted statements made by Xavi Hernández and Mateu Alemany, former coach and former sporting director of the club, respectively, who claimed to have received the league's approval for the Argentine star's return. "They did not have La Liga's approval and never asked for it," the official assured. "It was impossible to say yes [to the signing] without knowing how much Messi would charge and, moreover, applying the salary regulations that would be assigned to him. Even if the contract indicated a lower amount, it was impossible. Furthermore, no one from Barcelona ever approached La Liga," he emphasized. The official went further, stating that Alemany was mistaken. "It is not true, Mateu Alemany is confused. It is impossible, even if they had an agreement. The evaluation of the contract would have been like João Félix's," he explained. Another topic discussed was the project to bring La Liga matches to Miami, a goal that Tebas does not abandon and which he partly attributes to Real Madrid's obstruction. "There was a policy from Real Madrid to try to stop that game… and, due to a meeting, confusion arose," he lamented, considering the opposition a "lack of respect for American fans of Spanish football." "They also pay their subscriptions," he added, arguing that these fans deserve to see their teams live. Regarding his disqualification process with the Administrative Court of Sport (TAD), which is currently stalled, Tebas responded with irony and a serious accusation directed at the president of Real Madrid. "Nothing is known, not even me," he initially commented, adding: "Ask the Secretary of State or Florentino [Pérez], who, instead of disqualifying me, says they are going to annihilate me."
Javier Tebas Lionel Messi remains central to this story.
Javier Tebas Lionel Messi remains central to this story.
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