Source:REUTERS/Albert Gea
[Saba Sports News] According to Spanish media reports, the traditional pre-El Clasico meal between the presidents of Real Madrid and Barcelona, held in previous years, will be cancelled this year due to changes in the relationship between the two clubs. Their positions are clearly divided on the issue of La Liga playing matches overseas. Barcelona President Joan Laporta firmly supports the idea, stating it could bring returns and money to the club, similar to the Saudi Super Cup, and publicly stating, “We will go to play in Miami on December 20th.” Real Madrid President Florentino Perez strongly opposes it, believing it tarnishes the competition and creates unfair competitive advantages. According to multiple sources, the complaint filed by Real Madrid with the Spanish government regarding this matter, and the potential risk of Javier Tebas being suspended as a result, were the most important factors leading to the cancellation of the planned meal. Following the plan’s failure, there is a sense of “calm satisfaction” within Real Madrid, while Laporta is in an awkward position. Reports indicate that although Real Madrid and Barcelona have grown closer in recent years due to shared opposition to certain La Liga policies and jointly promoting the European Super League—even sharing the American investment firm Sixth Street as a commercial partner, which funded both the Bernabeu renovation and Barcelona’s “levers” plan – this alliance is loosening. As Barcelona seeks more flexibility regarding La Liga’s financial rules, Laporta’s relationship with Tebas is growing closer, while Florentino Perez continues to confront Tebas head-on.