La Liga president Javier Tebas backs Rodri Hernandez – 'We will not accept FIFA changing domestic leagues'
La Liga president Javier Tebas and Spanish Players' Union (AFE) president David Aganzo have come out in support of Manchester City star Rodri Hernandez, who said the players are reaching out at the point of hitting because of the congested football schedule. This year, FIFA is organizing the expanded Club World Cup, adding 24 teams and extending the season for a month.
Speaking to the World Football Committee, Aganzo explained that he felt that Rodri's words were the common sentiment rather than that of an individual.
“I think if you ask any footballer, they will tell you the same thing. It's not just Rodri's opinion. I think it's the players' opinion and if this continues, there will come a time when there is no other option .I don't know what's going on, but it's something that worries us because we're the ones who suffer.
“Rodri raised the alarm because every time there is the word 'strike' everyone takes it like that. The word of the player who competes, plays, makes a mistake is not taken into account… Unilateral decisions are taken by UEFA and FIFA and, in the end, Rodri followed a line that Courtois, Carvajal, etc.
On Monday, it was Carlo Ancelotti who directly demanded that FIFA and UEFA design competitions with fewer matches for “more attractive” football.
“I hope UEFA and FIFA really take the players into account. There is no problem with (them) putting them on the medal and having their picture taken with them, but the players are the ones who suffer. They should stop to take pictures and to treat the players as if they were somebody, so he must respect the health of the players.”
Meanwhile, the president of the League, Javier Tebas, also supported the Manchester City star in his statements, noting that it could cost some players their health or their family.
“I support the strike that Rodrigo is talking about, because it is not only a health problem for those 70 players, but also a problem for the balance of the industry. Some will lose their health and others, their families,” he said Chain SER.
He also suggested that, ultimately, FIFA and UEFA are pushing to shorten league competitions to accommodate their own competitions.
“They want the leagues that have 20 clubs to reduce our competitions and we will not accept this,” Tebas pointed out stubbornly.
While Tebas will no doubt defend their competition to the hilt, Spanish domestic football is not innocent of schedule congestion. The RFEF expanded the Spanish Supercup to four teams in a competition held in Saudi Arabia, while Tebas said he is in favor of hosting La Liga matches in the United States.
Of course, it is not difficult to imagine a point where FIFA and UEFA apply pressure on domestic competitions. They will undoubtedly have money in front of the clubs, saying they could earn more by prioritizing European or global fixtures as opposed to domestic ones. Already, the Superleague has also suggested holding European matches at the weekend as well, with domestic matches in the middle of the week.
