La Liga President Javier Tebas is rarely afraid to speak his mind, and that has often won him detractors, but perhaps none of his policies have been as controversial as the strict salary limits imposed on La Liga clubs in recent years. Placing restrictions on how many players clubs can register depending on their income and expenses, it has drawn the ire of many, who feel that it sets La Liga sides back compared to their European competitiors.
It does prevent clubs from going into precarious financial situations that could see them go out of existence though, which was the case for a number of sides in the 1990s in Spain. Few are willing to praise the limits, but Real Mallorca manager Javier Aguirre has told Marca that the rules are essential.
“The financial control thing is the best thing La Liga has done because there were brutal debts. I had a team in bankruptcy and you had to ask the administrator for money to buy water for the away trips. Not today, because you can’t spend what you don’t have.”
Aguirre has managed at Osasuna, Leganes, Espanyol and Atletico Madrid over the past two decades, all clubs that have undergone difficult spells off the pitch during that time, even if he wasn’t necessarily affected during his spells. It may be frustrating for the likes of Real Betis, Barcelona or Almeria, but for the majority, it’s easy to see why Aguirre would say it is a necessary safety measure.
"I don't think the bubble will burst now, they will be there. I don't know if in the #UCL, 4th or 5th… but they will be there. They have a great coach, good players and they play from memory, head up. They talk about being champions and that adds up."
"In 15 seasons in LaLiga… pic.twitter.com/ypebL6vxLU
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 29, 2023
