LaLiga president Javier Tebas
LaLiga president Javier Tebas

LaLiga president Javier Tebas hits out at decision to end Ligue 1 early


LaLiga president Javier Tebas does not believe his country should follow the lead of France and the Netherlands after they cancelled their leagues.

Ligue 1 was called off after Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Tuesday that no sporting events would be allowed in France until September.

When the league returns later this year, it will do so by beginning the 2020/21 campaign.

The Ligue de Football Professionnel are yet to decide what happens in regards to the title, alongside promotion and relegation, with a meeting scheduled for next month.

Tebas does not believe that Spain should look to conclude their campaign in a similar manner.

He said in a statement: "I do not understand why there would more danger in playing football behind closed doors, with all precautionary measures, than working on an assembly line, being on a fishing boat on the high seas.

Lionel Messi celebrates his brace for Barcelona against Real Valladolid
Lionel Messi celebrates his brace for Barcelona against Real Valladolid

"If important economic sectors cannot restart, in a safe and controlled manner, they could end up disappearing. That could happen to professional football.

"In other countries teams are already training, that's the example to follow.

"In Spain, football is an important economic driver that we need to reactivate like many others. We continue to focus on this reactivation, in a responsible manner and adhering to health recommendations, as soon as possible."

The Dutch Eredivisie became the first major European league to announce their premature conclusion - with the final outcome being declared null and void.

Ajax won the league in 2019
Ajax won Eredivisie in 2019

Ajax, who were level on points with AZ Alkmaar but ahead on goal difference at the top, have been denied a second consecutive title.

There will also be no promotion to or relegation from the top flight, following an agreement reached over a video conference call between the KNVB and its clubs.

The KNVB had initially planned to resume the season for the top two divisions on June 19, with all games being played behind closed doors.

However, the government announced a three-month extension to the playing ban last week, resulting in the Dutch FA choosing to declare their season over.


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