The LFP is threatening to postpone matches scheduled for April 2-3 in protest against broadcast regulations. Spanish clubs are seeking to enhance their position ahead of negotiations for new media rights deals, and have the backing of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The LFP is currently in talks with the Spanish government, with the aim of scrapping regulations that state one La Liga game per match day must be shown on free-to-air television.
The LFP hopes to abolish the ruling ahead of the 2012-13 season and is also seeking guarantees about how much it is entitled to receive from lottery and betting revenue. The free-to-air policy reportedly costs Spanish clubs around Eur800 million in lost revenue from cable or pay-per-view TV each season.
An LFP statement revealed the League’s frustration with the negotiation process. It read: “The LFP maintains the decision taken at the last General Assembly held on February 11, which concluded to postpone the match day which corresponds to April 3, until there is a palpable evolution in the dialogue with the administration.”
However, a group of clubs, including Sevilla, Villarreal, Real Zaragoza, Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol and Malaga are all believed to oppose the League’s stance. Villarreal president Fernando Roig has backed the LFP’s cause, but stated that a strike is not appropriate at a time when Spain’s economy is in freefall.
"It is not a good thing given what this country is going through at the moment for management to go on strike," Roig said."I agree that the best way forward is through dialogue. I do not agree that the right path is a postponement."
