Skip to main content

Atletico CEO issues warning over TV rights

"We want a league that is solvent and competitive," Gil said on Atletico's website.

"To achieve that, it is fundamental that the gap in budgets and revenues is narrowed and that there is a fairer distribution of [cash from] TV rights," he added.

"Only in that way can a more just, more competitive and more attractive league be achieved.

"Atletico, like the rest of the clubs, will do everything in its power to defend its interests. The future of our football is at stake."

Thanks to their lucrative deals, Real and Barca gobble up about half the annual pot of TV revenue of around 600 million euros which helps make them the world's richest clubs by income and means they can buy and pay the best players while their Spanish peers watch in envy.

Despite pressure from their La Liga rivals, Spain's big two have shown little signs they are prepared to give up their dominant position.

"The atmosphere of confrontation, both between the two broadcasters and the clubs, may not only bring about the breakup of the league but also the bankruptcy of the clubs," Gil said.

"Because there is no ordered economic model for exploiting TV rights the clubs have to wait until just before the championship begins to see if the broadcasters can agree.

"The uncertainty, right up to the last minute, means it's impossible to set out any social, sporting, commercial or economic strategy for the club."

Real and Barca did not immediately respond to emails seeking reaction to Gil's comments.