The president of Spain’s La Liga, Javier Tebas, is calling for immediate and firm sanctions against Paris Saint-Germain and the broader sport for what he views as a failure of the current financial fair play framework. He believes the penalties imposed so far are insufficient to deter rule breakers and to protect the integrity of European football.
In an interview published by LEquipe, Tebas argued that punishment must be stronger. He pointed to a 65 million euro sanction handed out at the start of the season, noting that 55 million euros had exemptions tied to recidivism. He suggested that such penalties only scratch the surface and do not act as a real deterrent.
He added that sanctions should have a broader impact on the sport itself, and that even something as small as a 10 euro fine for PSG would be a signal that the game is serious about enforcing rules.
According to Tebas, over the last six to seven seasons Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly accumulated a net loss approaching one billion euros. He argued that these losses disrupt the European football ecosystem and make it difficult for other clubs to compete on a level playing field.
He rhetorically asked how any club could compete with a team that has faced such substantial deficits, acknowledging that the situation is highly challenging for the industry.
The financial fair play rules are designed to balance income and expenditure so that competitive advantage does not hinge on excessive spending. They aim to avoid market distortions and ensure a fairer competition landscape, particularly for clubs outside the wealthiest ownership groups. Tebas contends that PSG has repeatedly drawn criticism for lacking full adherence, given the backing of a state-owned sovereign wealth fund from Qatar, which often carries influence beyond simple economic calculations for the club.
Mbappe’s signature
Tebas maintains that PSG cannot realistically cover Kylian Mbappe’s contract under current rules. He referenced reports about a three-season deal valued at around 630 million euros that circulated in the French press last summer, figures PSG disputed. Tebas responded with irony, noting that Mbappe would face a high price to stay if required and suggesting that the club’s owner is willing to push limits to secure his ambitions.
According to Tebas, the broader economic dispute involving BeIN, which is linked to PSG owner Al Khelaifi, and LaLiga stems from ongoing disagreements over broadcasting rights and payments. He criticized BeIN for reportedly receiving a smaller share of broadcast rights revenues than expected, and he suggested the stance reflects a pressure tactic aimed at silencing critics of PSG and its leadership.
Like other major clubs, Tebas also defends a stance that questions the long-term viability of a European Super League competing with the traditional Champions League. He described himself as one of the most critical voices within Spanish football when it comes to leadership decisions at the nation’s two biggest clubs, asserting that actions by those teams could be seen as more aggressive than those of PSG or Manchester City. Tebas argued that if La Liga had supported certain moves, it might have faced stronger pushback from opponents who disagree with the league’s direction.
In his view, the health of European football rests on clear, enforceable rules and a level playing field that can withstand the pressures of big-money ownership. The discussion around PSG, Mbappe, and broadcasting disputes illustrates a broader debate about competitive balance, financial oversight, and the long-term sustainability of the sport across the continent. The tension remains whether rule enforcement will curb spending and protect smaller clubs while preserving the prestige and economic viability of top leagues.