Rabat – Jose Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, President of Spain’s Higher Sports Council (CSD), has called on LaLiga President Javier Tebas to apologize to Real Madrid after comparing the club’s communication strategy to propaganda techniques used by “Nazi Germany.”
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Rodríguez Uribes condemned the remarks, arguing that Tebas had crossed the boundaries of acceptable criticism, particularly given his position as head of Spain’s top football division.
“It’s unacceptable,” Rodríguez Uribes said, stressing that freedom of expression does not justify comparisons involving Nazism and Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Germany’s propaganda minister.
The CSD president argued that Tebas carries additional responsibilities as a senior figure in Spanish football and should set an example by respecting the principles of fair play and institutional neutrality.
He maintained that criticism between football organizations is legitimate but that references to one of the darkest periods in European history are inappropriate when directed at a sporting institution.
Rodríguez Uribes also confirmed that the CSD’s legal department would examine whether Tebas’ statements could lead to disciplinary consequences, although no decision on potential sanctions has been announced.
Real Madrid demands Tebas’ resignation
The controversy began on Friday, when Tebas published a lengthy statement on social media platform X, accusing Real Madrid’s leadership and its television channel of using selective coverage to portray the club as a victim of refereeing decisions and league authorities.
Tebas compared those communication methods to propaganda techniques associated with Goebbels, including repetition, the construction of an enemy and the manipulation of narratives.
He later clarified that his comparison concerned propaganda methods rather than Nazi ideology or Real Madrid supporters.
However, Real Madrid rejected the explanation and issued an official statement demanding Tebas’ immediate resignation as LaLiga president and vice president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
The club described his comments as deeply offensive and accused him of repeatedly attacking Real Madrid, its president and its media outlets.
Tebas defends his remarks
Tebas subsequently rejected the criticism, accusing Real Madrid of attempting to undermine LaLiga through repeated complaints about refereeing and competition management.
Following Rodríguez Uribes’ intervention, Tebas also questioned the CSD’s impartiality, citing previous references to Goebbels by Spanish political figures and calling for consistent standards.
The dispute adds to years of tension between Tebas and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, whose disagreements have involved refereeing, broadcasting rights, the European Super League and LaLiga’s management.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta also defended Tebas on Saturday, praising his experience and accusing Real Madrid of seeking to destabilize Spanish football institutions.
Read also: Real Madrid Demand Javier Tebas Resign After ‘Nazi Propaganda’ Comparison
