"With Euro 2020 moving, LaLiga will have no problem in being played in full"
President of LaLiga Javier Tebas spoke to AS earlier to analyse the ongoing situation affecting Spanish football caused by the Covid-19 virus.
LaLiga Javier Tebas spoke to AS journalist Alfredo Matilla earlier on Wednesday with the head of the governing body analysing the latest challenges presented by the Covid-19 spread which has Spain on lock-down.
First things first, how are you keeping?
Fine, all is well and the family are doing well also.
It appears that the situation facing LaLiga is a little more positive after the decision by UEFA?
From the outset, we've made our position quite clear. We've always stated that it was important that the current season was concluded. We are grateful to UEFA for taking the decision they did and we need to stand side by side with them as they've had to make a tough decision.
There has been all sorts of speculation with possible scenarios being put forward should the spread of the virus make it impossible to finish the league. Should that materialise, what would happen with the table, who would be promoted, relegated?
If that transpired as the case, then we would declare the season as over. There are two aspects in that scenario though, the sporting side is one and that is something we need to work through and see what the final outcome would be. The other would be the financial impact should that situation arise. I do feel that by looking at other places where the virus has impacted and the UEFA decision that we should be able to adequately finish out the season.
Would the title go to Barcelona should it be impossible to conclude the campaign?
I don't know. We'll have to cross that bridge when we get to it. Much is being said but this area is not the focal point for us at present and I'd rather not speculate on matters that at present really don't warrant arguing over.
The other area being looked at is that many players are out of contract come June 30th. As a lawyer, what solution would you offer in this case? Is there a contingency plan in place?
The scenario we're working on at present contemplates the season ending before the end of June. This I believe is also the plan of other major leagues too with a united intention to finish the seasons before June 30th.
But, what if that is not possible, how would it be addressed?
At present we're not contemplating that scenario, every league has their own nuances and with the five major leagues and I thing possibly the Danish league, there are quite a number of outstanding matches to be played. We're planning on the season concluding by the end of June and we're trying to work backwards if you will with the final match-day being the end of June and then work forward.
Clubs such as Valladolid and Eibar decided to donate the Covid-19 testing kits sent by LaLiga to other members of the public who were in greater need of being tested. What's your view on that gesture?
I don't want to get involved in the specifics of this and I respect everyone's right to make their own decision. I'm aware of these situations and would prefer ton decline on commenting further on this subject.
Do you understand why certain people are criticising LaLiga for sending the kits to the clubs?
LaLiga have and continue to collaborate with our society on many areas relating to coronavirus. We worked with the Chinese government when the outbreak commenced and for us there are no first class or second class citizens.