Tebas and Javier Gómez stepped in front of the cameras after the league published the salary ceilings for Primera and Segunda clubs, making it clear that João Félix does not earn 400,000 euros.
Javier Tebas, the LaLiga president, and Javier Gómez, the general manager, spoke to reporters on Thursday to assess the new salary caps and the figures previously released by the league’s employers’ association.
They emphasized that rumors claiming Félix earns 400,000 euros are false. What Barcelona actually pays under LaLiga’s valuation system is higher than that amount, tied to a contract signed late in the summer window.
Barcelona is said to have a salary cap around 270 million euros, yet the club’s actual salaries exceed 400 million. If Barcelona were to sell a marquee player, it could resolve some pressures, but the club seems to favor a different strategy. Sponsorship income is not viewed as a cure-all, Tebas noted.
The complete remarks can be read here:
The Premier League example: “I would not run a league on a model that loses money. We have lived through that from 2008 to 2013. Our model protects clubs that are not public limited companies, like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Club and Osasuna. If we shifted to a loss-making approach, our top teams would lose national competitiveness. We examine every expense to see what is wasted. Much of this spending ends up being transferred or sold for little value.”
Comparing with other leagues: “UEFA released a fair-play framework that aligns with ours. It’s possible to compare with the Bundesliga. UEFA has moved toward a path we defend alongside the Bundesliga and LaLiga. The Prime Minister has long supported a losing model, yet 60% of recent European champions come from Spain. We may be more sports-minded than before. In the past, clubs relied more on their youth systems; now the focus often shifts to spending. We are tightening economic oversight at UEFA, and the English government is taking more action. Players like Lamine Yamal have joined clubs under zero direct cost to Barcelona. Our audiovisual rights distribution keeps the big clubs competitive with the Premier League.”
On Barcelona and Betis finances: “The comparison with the Premier League is unfairly small. Barcelona has made a substantial effort, rising to around 400 million euros in investments. This is not a loss-making venture, though unforeseen events do occur. A case like Betis shows that a sale may not always cover losses, and Gómez adds that losses are allowed at UEFA but are limited. If there are losses, the financial controls tighten to restore balance.”
Barcelona’s expenditure review: “Barcelona reduced selection costs. It also had to address previous year losses, just like other clubs.”
João Félix’s pay and the cap: “One figure reflects what clubs pay players; the other reflects what we count toward the cap. Internal LaLiga valuations adjust contracts to market prices. It is not true that 400,000 euros are paid. The club’s actual salary figures lie well beyond what some claim, and the cap uses a broader assessment.”
Barcelona’s cap situation: “If the cap is exceeded, special rules apply. It’s fair to say the club has made its best effort. A normal recovery timeline depends on business decisions. If a franchise player is sold, the problem could ease, but sponsorship increases must be managed carefully. The limitations remain very real.”
Real Madrid’s ceiling: “I don’t recall if this is the top limit, but it could be. Madrid has a lot on its plate. Mbappé or another big-name may be in the plan.”
Bellingham’s form: “He is currently among the world’s best. To stay there, one has to look beyond goals. Our competition pushes players to excel.”
Valencia’s situation: “Caps are being set to curb overspending. Valencia did not reach the Champions League during the COVID downturn and lost tens of millions. That hit dragged the club down. Not competing in Europe costs about 70 million. The stadium project could be pivotal for its long-term competitiveness.”
Surplus and losses: “About 200 million in excess spending exists across the top two divisions, with Barcelona accounting for most of it. Clubs have historically faced overspending and the three relegated teams will be affected, as will those not reaching European competition.”
LaLiga investment and stability: “LaLiga has wasted less than others and remains the world’s strongest competition. A different tax regime in another country would shift costs, but local factors matter. Sports law holds clubs accountable for decline, and Kane’s signing is cited as a contributing factor.”
Rafa Benítez’s critique: “The model may be unfamiliar to some. Our approach is simple: spend what is earned. Celta knows the rules and their application. If Rafa requests further explanation, a clear discussion will follow.”
Saudi involvement: “Weekly monitoring shows the Saudi League isn’t causing immediate concern. Building a premier competition isn’t solely about player purchases. Historically, investments elsewhere have fluctuated, and audiovisual rights have not grown dramatically. If Saudi clubs sought Champions League participation, they would face UEFA’s economic controls. That is the primary risk we watch.”