La Liga president Javier Tebas ruled out an El Clasico clash in New York but has reiterated the benefit of playing Spanish games in the US.
The league’s chief was the individual behind the hugely controversial 15-year agreement with US company Relevent to play La Liga games abroad and he has attempted to explain the move.
“An El Clasico in New York is not viable logistically, not the league clash anyway,” Tebas told an interview with El Mundo.
“The data is there that the move can be a success. In four years we have tripled our value of rights internationally. We hope to increase around 8% or 9% annually in the next four years.
“The objective, however, is not only that, but to increase the international sponsors of our teams. At the moment, there are only two that really grow – Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“Atletico Madrid do a little too but you have to work so that sponsors from abroad go to Valencia, Villarreal or Huesca, who have just been promoted. Why should they not?”
Tebas was also asked if his relationship with Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales was stronger than with his predecessor Angel Maria Villar.
“If the question is whether the professional relationship between two institutions has been improved, the answer is yes, regardless of personal relationships,” the league president answered.
“In three months we have solved more things than in five years with Villar. Rubiales is surrounded by good professionals, who allow you to sit down and talk. Another thing is that we reach agreements.
“Now, he is not my friend nor will he be. We have different values and a different way of understanding friendship.”
