Beyond the remarks by Joan Laporta about the Negreira case, which drew intense focus yet left many questions unresolved for the 41 other clubs, an Extraordinary Convention at La Liga headquarters offered a broad view of current trends in Spanish football. A standout topic centered on the structure and governance of arbitration and how disputes are handled within the league. The meeting, attended by the clubs in Spain’s top tier, surfaced a flare of opinions about how arbitration has operated and what changes might be needed to align it with modern standards. The discussion touched on the processes, criteria, and management of matches, always with the aim of capturing the wide range of club perspectives rather than advancing any single club’s agenda. [Citation: La Liga, official statements]
One question revealed in the prevailing anonymity of the poll among First Division club presidents was the degree to which the arbitral structure should be fully independent from the national federation. The debate echoed similar models in other major leagues such as the English Premier League and the Bundesliga, where arbitration bodies operate with structural autonomy. The anonymous survey sought the clubs’ views on the current arbitration environment, including how referees are selected, how matches are adjudicated, and how decisions are communicated to the public. The aim was to surface genuine consensus rather than the stance of any single member club. [Citation: Official convention notes]
There was a particular line of inquiry that revealed strong unanimity. All the clubs questioned agreed that the criteria referees follow for certain visual cues during play should be clearer and more consistent, especially around hand signals near the edge of disciplinary zones. This consensus indicated an appetite for greater transparency in signaling rules during matches. [Citation: Club statements]
Another area of near unanimity concerned the use of red cards. The league currently shows a high rate of expulsions compared with other top leagues. A significant majority of clubs argued that the number of red cards exceeds the level of aggression observed in matches and that expulsions can disrupt the natural flow of the game. The dialogue underscored a desire for a more balanced approach that preserves competitive rhythm while maintaining discipline. [Citation: Convention feedback]
post match comments
After the sessions, Tebas noted that although the rise in red cards mirrors trends seen in other European leagues, the emphasis should remain on constructive action. He highlighted that the clubs have recorded a high number of expulsions this season and stressed the importance of moving forward with a positive, collaborative stance rather than confrontation. The aim is to foster a more stable environment that supports fair play and clarity in officiating. [Citation: Tebas remarks]
On the subject of video assistance, VAR, the clubs reported that a large share feels penalties for minor contacts can appear overzealous while clearer penalties might be missed. A majority also supported a practice common in other leagues where referees publicly explain controversial decisions by presenting the relevant VAR imagery and audio. The idea is to bring more transparency to the decision process and reduce confusion among players, coaches, and fans. [Citation: VAR discussion]
The convention also touched on disciplinary actions arising from comments made about officiating after matches. Players such as Sergio Canales and Jose Luis Gay a faced suspensions in connection with statements questioning refereeing decisions. A significant portion of participants viewed the disciplinary framework as overly punitive in some cases, calling for more measured interpretations of the rule book in light of player expressions after games. [Citation: Disciplinary discussions]
threat of strike and governance concerns
Questions about the arbitration institution grew louder as concerns about its independence and effectiveness intensified. Some clubs and groups warned of hard responses if the arbitration system did not gain reform or support. A cascade of comments from clubs about harassment and pressure on arbitration officials contributed to a broader climate of scrutiny. The players association and club leadership argued that the arbitration process should be shielded from political or factional pressure and that a respectful, predictable framework is essential to the integrity of the sport. They urged corporate responsibility and a collaborative approach to reform. [Citation: Governance discussions]
Tebas closed the discussion by acknowledging a real challenge within arbitration that requires attention. He proposed a process that would bring together players, referees, and federation representatives to lay out a roadmap for reform and to explore how to organize the arbitration body more effectively. The objective is to create room for all stakeholders to participate in shaping the future of officiating and match organization, while preserving the core spirit of competition. The emphasis was on dialogue that builds trust and ensures decisions are understood and respected by the entire football community. [Citation: Tebas closing remarks]