President of Spanish Football League to step down

Jose Luis Astiazaran (L) and Iker Casillas (R) Attend the Spanish Football League Gala.

Madrid - The president of the Spanish Football League (LFP), Jose Luis Astiazaran, has confirmed the he will not stand for re-election to his post in the forthcoming vote to choose one of the most important men in Spanish football April 27.

“The time has come for another president in the LFP who, with the majority support that is so necessary to manage the organisation and which I have enjoyed all of the time I have been in charge, can continue to advance in all of the questions which will strengthen the future of our professional football,” said Astiazaran, who has been in the post since 2005.

His eight years in charge have seen a lot of changes in the Spanish game, but he leaves his post with many of Spain’s football clubs struggling under the effects of the economic crisis and warnings that financial problems could cause many to disappear in the near future, reports Xinhua.

The main reason for this is the manner in which Spain’s clubs negotiate their television rights, with each club negotiating individually with TV companies, this has seen the ‘big two’ of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid monopolise the market, earning almost 50 percent of the TV money in the BBVA Primera Liga, while leaving the other sides earning considerably less.

Indeed no other side in Spain earns 30 percent of what Barca or Madrid takes from TV money, which has led to a situation where these two sides dominate the top two places in the league table. Meanwhile the LFP has seen some roles dictated by the needs of the TV companies who virtually dictate the kick off times in the league in order to ensure the highest kick off audiences.

Astiazaran’s vice-president at the LFP is now the favourite to replace him in the role.