Clubs, operators and experts are in agreement: Audiovisual Piracy is a threat to the survival of football

The meeting organised by La Vanguardia, in collaboration with the Liga de Fútbol Profesional, was opened with an introduction from the president of La Liga, Javier Tebas. "We need new legislation to act against the websites that illegally stream football matches and against companies that provide access to them online". He also reminded those present that Spanish clubs earn half that of their English counterparts because of piracy. "In the UK there is greater legislative power to help control the phenomenon" confirmed Premier League advisor, Ruth Hoy.

In the first debate, titled "Clubs at a crossroads", Enrique Cerezo, the president of Club Atlético de Madrid, was in no doubt: "Urgent measures to avoid piracy of matches need to be applied. The current laws are not very practical and there is a considerable loss. It is theft and it has to be punished". Cerezo was surprised at the lack of amendments in the new Intellectual Property Law. "As long as the everything-is-free culture remains, nothing will be fixed".

For his part, Josep Maria Bartomeu, the president of Fútbol Club Barcelona, stated that "audiovisual piracy compromises the economic viability of the clubs. The virtual grandstand represents nearly 30% of the clubs’ budgets". Bartomeu suggested "educating fans and raising their awareness. It is everyone’s responsibility and we clubs will assume our part to help the authorities, who must legislate against and pursue piracy".

The general director of Real Madrid CF, José Ángel Sánchez, highlighted the importance of respecting the intellectual property law. "Piracy is a crime and it should be called what it is. It cannot be dressed up if we are to get to the bottom of the problem. If there are enough anti-piracy laws then they should be obeyed, and if there aren’t, then they should be created".

The second debate analysed "The risks to football business" posed by audiovisual piracy and was attended by sponsors and television operators. Javier Tebas was one of the speakers. "We are more concerned that anyone because the survival of football is at risk. If we invest less we will have fewer quality players and that will reduce the interest in our league". The president of the LFP is "sceptical, we will not achieve anything if the legislation is not improved. The big internet operators should intervene. I hope that when our reaction comes it is not too late".

When he faced the press at the meeting, Javier Tebas was asked about the possible consequences of the independence of Catalonia on La Liga. "No Catalan club would be able to play in the LFP as it would not comply with the Sports Law. I cannot imagine La Liga without Barça, as I cannot imagine Catalonia without Spain. La Liga would lose a lot".