La Liga president rejects Real Madrid referee conspiracy theories
Javier Tebas dismissed claims that referees are biased against Real Madrid, calling such narratives a way to hide on-field shortcomings. The comments come after Real manager Jose Mourinho complained about officiating in a loss to Atletico Madrid. Tebas said the conspiracy theory is 'living in another galaxy' and serves as an excuse for poor performances.
Tebas's rebuke extends a long-running feud between La Liga's leadership and Real Madrid's hierarchy, which previously clashed over the failed European Super League project in 2021. The league president also criticized the club in 2025 after Real formally complained to the Spanish FA about match officiating.
Real currently sit fourth in the standings, six points adrift of unbeaten leaders Barcelona. Their derby defeat to Atletico included a red card for defender Dean Huijsen, leaving Mourinho to argue that two earlier Atletico challenges warranted dismissals that would have altered the match's course.
This dispute could shape how fans interpret officiating controversies across Spanish football, potentially deepening polarization between supporter bases. When league leadership dismisses club grievances as excuses, it may erode trust in refereeing transparency among those already skeptical. Conversely, such pushback could encourage more measured public discourse around match decisions, shifting focus toward on-field performance rather than perceived bias. The exchange may also influence how other clubs voice officiating concerns going forward.