Piqué "doesn't know much about justice system" - LaLiga chief
Javier Tebas has reacted to Barcelona player Gerard Piqué's post-Clásico comments on the focus of the Spanish media.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has told Gerard Piqué he "doesn't know much about the justice system" after the Barcelona defender's comments on the focus of Spain's media amid the ongoing trial against Catalan leaders involved in organising 2017's illegal independence referendum.
"If Spanish TV spent more time covering the trial of the political prisoners, which is super unjust, so the people of Spain could see a little more of what's going on," Piqué said after Barça's Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid on Wednesday night. "Instead of talking about VAR, maybe the country would be doing a little better."
Speaking at an event in Madrid on Thursday, Tebas not only offered his reaction to the player's remarks, but also discussed a range of issues including the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) plans to introduce new formats in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey:
Piqué comments: "Gerard is a fine footballer, he's a top centre-back, but he doesn't know much about the justice system. There are no political prisoners in this country. There are people who, according to state prosecutors, tried to commit the crime of rebellion and are on trial for that."
RFEF announcement of Super Cup format change: "I've already spoken about the Super Cup. Given that only professional [and therefore LaLiga-member] clubs participate, I don't think this is how such a decision should be made. A four-team format... and why not eight, 16, a new competition altogether? If it goes through, LaLiga's existence would be put in danger. They could create a new league with competition formats like that."
Copa overhaul to include 'final four': "The Copa has been talked about for a while now. It is organised by the RFEF and they have to structure competitions within what has been the conventional framework. If it affects LaLiga, then we must be consulted and give our approval."
Clubs' complaints over Monday and Friday kick-offs: "We're sensitive to that, and are open to seeing how a restructuring would work. The Monday issue is one we're looking at from another angle and there'll most likely be changes next season."
Offers from Serie A and the Premier League: "It's nice to be wanted elsewhere. Whoever says it's about getting a salary increase [at LaLiga] needs to be better informed. I feel proud but I'm happy in Spain. It's true that there have been offers."