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Tebas returns to LFP Presidency after non-election

Xinhua, October 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

Javier Tebas was named the provisional President of the Spanish Football League (LFP) on Wednesday after nobody else was able to present a candidacy against him.

Tebas had resigned as LFP President a fortnight ago on September 21st with the aim of calling fresh elections and extending his mandate at the organization which organizes the Spanish competition.

Former Eibar President, Alex Aranzabal had attempted to mount a campaign to oppose Tebas, but the restrains of the calendar and the LFP rules meant he was unable to gain the support he needed to stand against Tebas.

"The person who developed the electoral process has made the existence of other alternatives very difficult," commented Aranzabal on renouncing his attempts to run.

The Electoral Commission of the LFP will now meet on October 11th to resolve any appeals against the process and if none exist, Tebas will be confirmed as LFP President for the next 4 years.

The 52-year-old became Liga President in 2013 and has been responsible for raising the profile of the Spanish game abroad and in negotiating a new and improved TV deal which sees a fairer division of money among Spain's clubs than previous deals which saw Real Madrid and FC Barcelona take around 50 percent of the earnings.

However, Tebas has made controversial statements, such as saying Spain needed a leader such as France's National Front leader, Marie Le Pen and has also angered fans' groups with the Liga policy of having 10 separate kick off times and although attendances at Spanish league games have grown, fans allege their interest come below those of an international TV audience. Endit