Audio By Carbonatix
A Spanish court could decide as early as Wednesday on the legality of a strike protesting against a new TV rights law called by the players' union (AFE) which is threatening the final two match days in La Liga and the King's Cup final.
The AFE announced last week players would go on strike indefinitely from May 16 and the professional league (LFP), which represents the 42 clubs in the top two divisions, filed a petition to have the action declared illegal.
The Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) had earlier decided to halt all competition from the same date. The AFE and RFEF are unhappy with a new law mandating collective bargaining for domestic television rights and say their interests have not been sufficiently taken into account.
The AFE and LFP have been summoned to make a court appearance on Wednesday, a league spokeswoman said on Monday, and Spanish media reported a decision could come the same day or on Thursday.
The penultimate round of La Liga matches is on Sunday and leaders Barcelona can make sure of a fifth title in seven years with a win at last season's champions Atletico Madrid.
Barca are also through to the Cup final at the end of the month against Athletic Bilbao.
The new TV rights law, which is strongly backed by the LFP, would replace the current system under which rights are marketed by individual clubs -- unique among Europe's top leagues where collective bargaining is used.
The legislation was signed off in cabinet at the end of last month and aims to create a more level playing field by sharing out cash more equitably once it takes effect from the 2016-17 season.
Poorer teams, especially those with big outstanding tax bills, have for years called for rights to be pooled to help them make ends meet.
The status quo heavily favours Real Madrid, the world's wealthiest club by income, and their arch-rivals Barca.
Although the new set-up would still be weighted towards the richest and most successful clubs it would be to a lesser extent.
Latest Stories
-
2026 is the ‘Year of Action’ for Petroleum Hub project – Dr Toni Aubynn
39 minutes -
Sedina Tamakloe set for January 21 US court hearing – Victor Smith
60 minutes -
‘Ministerial signature is not ceremonial ink’ – CDM questions Education Minister’s role in curriculum saga
1 hour -
Multimedia Group Kumasi staff gathers to celebrate 31 years of broadcasting and community service
1 hour -
Bryan Acheampong is our ‘Kivo gari’, a ready leader for NPP – Pious Hadzie insists
1 hour -
I dismissed the former ‘Ayalolo’ boss for failing to expand fleet – Local Gov’t Minister
1 hour -
“Our PC candidates beat our presidential candidate” – Bryan Acheampong calls for unifying candidate to lead NPP
1 hour -
Gov’t seeks €1m spanish grant to expand ‘Ayalolo’ bus fleet – Local Gov’t Minister
1 hour -
Little Angels Trust donates to children admitted at Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital
1 hour -
Victor Smith refutes claims Sedina Tamakloe is not in Nevada Detention Centre in US
2 hours -
“Let our boast be in Him ”alone”—Multimedia CEO to staff at thanksgiving service
2 hours -
US tightens border security as immigrant visa freeze hits 75 nations, including African allies
2 hours -
The invisible wall between Ghana’s economic gains, household reality
2 hours -
Hannah Affum: Breaking Barriers with Radiotracers and Resilience
2 hours -
CDM calls out institutional failures over controversial SHS curriculum
2 hours
