La Liga’s Global Ambitions: Expanding into International Markets and Incorporating More Cameras in Officiating Standards

Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, discussed the league’s future plans and its ambition to expand its global footprint in an interview with Expansion. One of the key aspects of this expansion is the possibility of official matches being played abroad, which Tebas believes could happen in the 2025-26 season. He emphasized the importance of tapping into international markets, particularly North America, to solidify La Liga’s position as one of the world’s premier football leagues.

However, Tebas acknowledged the challenges posed by competing leagues and the need for innovation. “Other very competitive leagues are coming so we can’t always do the same thing, they would overtake us,” he stated. To address this challenge, Tebas proposed a more cost-effective approach to improving officiating standards by increasing the use of cameras to assist referees.

Regarding goal-line technology, Tebas addressed concerns about its effectiveness and cost. Instead of using goal-line technology, he proposed using more cameras to help referees make accurate decisions. “Goal-line technology is not a perfect technology and that is the first reason we don’t have it,” Tebas explained. “But it is not only that: throughout a season, ghost goals happen three or four times and If you add to that that it is not perfect, the cost is very high for the use given to it: it means investing between five and six million for the two divisions to use it once and with no doubts. What I do advocate is to implement more cameras that help the referees.”