Tebas Fires at PSG’s Power, Demands Balance in European Football

Tebas's frank critique in France

Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, offered sharp remarks during a stop in France, using the moment to critique Paris Saint‑Germain's growing influence and to address the piracy file that dominates his agenda.

In a broad interview with a French daily, Tebas argued that PSG plays a pivotal role in the media landscape, notably through BeIN Sports. He suggested that some clubs prefer silence to speaking out, which he frames as complicity.

Broader implications for European football and piracy

He stressed that PSG's power is real, but partly built on others' reluctance to challenge it. “If PSG has such influence, it is because most clubs do not speak up—because they do not dare,” he said. He added that this dynamic must be broken within French football.

Tebas also noted PSG and Manchester City as examples of clubs sometimes described as state-backed, arguing that these clubs have historically incurred losses year after year. He acknowledged PSG has begun to regain balance and move in a healthier direction, but he remains skeptical of Khalifi's broader European and world football model.

He stressed that his opposition is not a personal war with PSG as a club, but with some of its practices, particularly those that do not adhere to Financial Fair Play rules. “This club has a long history in European and French football, and we oppose certain practices regardless of ownership,” he indicated.

On the calendar, Tebas called for a rethink in light of ongoing expansion of continental competitions. He said the goal is balance and sustainability, not the abolition of these events, but a middle ground that preserves competition.

Regarding piracy, he revealed that he spends about 60% of his time fighting the phenomenon and that about €12 million is spent annually to counter it, noting that piracy has begun to be treated with greater seriousness.

Punchlines: If football were a sniper duel, Tebas just called for a ceasefire and a review of the target list. And if the schedule gets any tighter, the ball might need its own emergency espresso break.