Madrid court ruling averts La Liga strike

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By David Gold

March 30 – The proposed strike of La Liga games for this weekend has been averted after a Madrid court upheld a challenge by six of the league’s clubs, Sevilla, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad, Espanyol and Real Zaragoza.

The Liga de Futbol Profesional confirmed its intention to strike in February as they seek to force the Spanish Government to go repeal a rule obliging La Liga to show one game per matchday on free-to-air television.

The strike would have led to the La Liga season being extended by three weeks and finish in the middle of June.

But the games this weekend, including leaders Barcelona’s crucial clash with third place Villarreal, will now go ahead.

It also means Real Madrid will have just three days to prepare for their Champions League tie with Tottenham Hotspur after their fixture with Sporting Gijon on Saturday (April 2).

After the initial announcement of the strike, the group of six who challenged it issued a statement which read: “A strike would be disproportionate, inopportune, against the interest of clubs, the competition and supporters and, what’s more, against the law.”

La Liga believes that by removing the obligation to show the free match they would be able to negotiate more lucrative contracts with television channels.

In Spain clubs negotiate their TV deals individually rather than as a collective, as it is done in England.

Following the collapse of negotiations with politicians the group of six decided to make the legal challenge.

Spain’s Sports Minister Jaime Lissavetzky pleaded with the court to show common sense.

“The main losers are the citizens and football players because the competition has been extended by about 20 days,” he said.

“I hope common sense prevails, and we maintain our readiness to defend the interests of citizens.”

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