Watishista mygypsyspirit just texted me this news: All Spanish domestic football games will be suspended as of May 16 due to a dispute with the government.
FROM BBCSPORT.COM
Spanish domestic football to be suspended
The Spanish football federation says it is suspending all end-of-season games in disputes with the government, including over TV rights.
A federation statement (in Spanish) said it was also unhappy with receiving only 4.55% of pools revenue, though it said it was still open to dialogue.
All matches will be suspended from 16 May, including the domestic cup final.
In the top division, Barcelona lead La Liga rivals Real Madrid by two points, with only three games left to play.
In the statement, the federation said it acted after three-month talks with the government had failed to resolve the dispute.
The Spanish government has so far made no public comment on the issue.
“The initial assumption is that this move has been taken in an attempt to head off a players strike which had been threatened for that weekend,” said Andy West, a Spanish football expert.
“Players are unhappy with some terms of the deal, including the low percentage of revenue on offer to lower league clubs.
“The issue of TV rights is a long running one with most people recognising that Barca and Real receive far too much at the moment. Realigning it is not easy though,” Mr West added.
Needless to say, that blows and it’s only for what, one week’s worth of games? But still. Updated: Actually this impacts our last two games. Espanyol on May 17th and Getafe on May 23.
– Lozil
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
watishistacorrespondents
WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. THIS IS THE WORST NEWS I’VE HEARD ALL DAY, AND I’M WATCHING BARCELONA BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF MY BABY BAYERN RIGHT NOW SO IT WAS ALREADY A PRETTY BAD DAY. Wait SHHHHH do you hear that sound?! It’s the sound of all the watishistas crying their eyes out. excuse me i need some tissues now
Yes, deeply unpleasant news. You have my condolences on that game today. I’m hoping that Bayern can still pull out a victory somehow. They’ve done it before.
What the bloody freakin’ hell????? It’s like me getting ‘thisclose’ to Sergio’s lips, and then getting hit in the head by a soccer ball….way to kill the moment Spanish federation! UGH!
I am not a happy camper. I have to admit I was really looking forward to the Barca vs. Atleti showdown next weekend. The outcome could have put us back on top of the table.
that is the single most important match this side of the season. UNBELIEVABLE! That match could have decided that season! A very tired Barca playing a very on point and fit Atleti.
So rude. So very unfair. What is it going to kill to let all clubs play out their remaining matches. The season isn’t complete without them. Where do sign a petition?!?!
Man me too. Is it wrong though to have been worried that athletico would maybe have just let barca take the win
Ughity.
While I do hope something is finally done about the horrific imbalance in La Liga, I don’t understand how they can just cut the league short?? And not finish the Copa del Rey? If it remains suspended, do they just give the league to Barca(NOOOOO) and not have a cup winner? I don’t get it.
I had the thought, why not let them all play and not broadcast it. Allow fans to attend but no cameras. Is that such a crazy idea?
I doubt it. The current season is already locked into a broadcast contract. It is the future season that is affected by this impasse.
If they’re just “giving the league to Barca” I hope Real Sociedad pulls something amazing out this weekend! Where’s Moyes’ inner tactical genius?!
Oooo. How splendid would that be?