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Real Madrid have called for LaLiga president Javier Tebas to step down following his criticism of the club’s complaints about refereeing decisions.
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The dispute intensified after Real Madrid’s 2–1 defeat to Atlético Madrid, with José Mourinho questioning two challenges involving Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
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Tebas dismissed suggestions of an anti-Real Madrid refereeing conspiracy, arguing that the club’s claims were being used to deflect attention from its performances.
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Real Madrid accused Tebas of repeatedly attacking the club and demanded leadership committed to neutrality and the interests of all LaLiga teams.
September 22, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid have demanded the removal of LaLiga president Javier Tebas after their ongoing dispute over refereeing decisions escalated following 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 and questioning 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.
The Portuguese coach argued that Atlético players Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in should have received red cards for challenges involving Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
Mourinho used printed images during his post-match press conference to highlight the incidents, while Real Madrid continued to criticise the officiating through its official media channels.
Valverde was later diagnosed with a serious ankle sprain following Lee Kang-in’s challenge, although the incident did not result in a sending-off during the match.
Tebas Rejects Real Madrid’s Claims
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 also 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.
He also criticised Real Madrid Television’s repeated content about referees, describing it as an unfair form of pressure on match officials.
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Real Madrid Call for New LaLiga Leadership
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.
Real Madrid also 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 latest 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.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
