Javier Tebas Referred to Sports Tribunal Over Real Madrid Nazi Propaganda Remarks

Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD) has initiated official proceedings, submitting a formal complaint to the Administrative Court of Sport (TAD) against La Liga president and Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) vice-president Javier Tebas. The move comes after his public remarks comparing Real Madrid's official club television channel to the propaganda machine of Nazi Germany.

The 16-page document was signed directly by the Secretary of State for Sport, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes. The CSD's official statement highlighted that on October 16, posting on social media platform X, Tebas likened the Spanish giants' communication style to "the propaganda mechanisms used by Goebbels, minister of propaganda in Nazi Germany."

Exercising its statutory authority, the CSD called on the TAD's independent panel to establish whether the executive's comments violate Article 76.4.b of the Sports Act (Law 10/1990). The clause defines any overt, public conduct that damages sporting dignity and decorum as a serious breach.

In presenting its case, the CSD cited established tribunal precedent and Supreme Court jurisprudence, arguing that maintaining a respectful sporting climate requires mutual respect among leading figures. The council stressed that governing bodies and officials are strictly obligated to uphold fair play, civil discourse, and appropriate conduct.

The development mirrors actions taken in 2023, when the council initiated similar proceedings against former football federation president Luis Rubiales following his conduct at the Women's World Cup final in Australia, where he kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso without consent. Those proceedings ultimately resulted in a three-year ban for Rubiales.