Real Madrid demand La Liga cut funding to women's league as Spanish champions argue €8m payment is 'too much'

According to Relevo, Real Madrid, represented by general director Jose Angel Sanchez, argued for a cut in funding to the Liga F during a recent Assembly of Clubs meeting. La Liga’s contribution to Liga F forms part of a five-year financial package worth €40 million (£33m/$42m) aimed at supporting the women’s league. Now in its third year, the funding structure began with €6m (£5m/$6m) annual contributions, which later increased to €8m (£7m/$8m) and is set to reach €10m (£8m/$10m) in the final two years.

The funds are drawn from La Liga’s overall revenue, which encompasses 42 clubs across the Primera and Segunda divisions. However, only 13 of these clubs have representation in Liga F.

Additionally, Liga F has faced its share of financial hurdles, including issues with former sponsor Fi Network, which failed to fulfill its payment obligations. The league currently relies on other revenue streams, such as a broadcasting deal with DAZN and €20m (£17m/$21m) annually from Spain’s Ministry for Sport (CSD). Additionally, €19.5m is being allocated to projects aimed at fostering the development of women’s football over the five-year period.

The Madrid representative is said to have told La Liga president Javier Tebas at the meeting: "It's too much. It has to be cut."

Real Madrid’s criticism of Liga F funding has reignited scrutiny over the club’s historical approach to women’s football. In 2019, the club established its women’s team by acquiring CD Tacon, a pre-existing women’s football club in Madrid, and renaming it Real Madrid Femenino. This move came relatively late compared to other major European clubs, such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, which had already heavily invested in their women’s teams. The criticism is compounded by the fact that Real Madrid enjoyed over €1 billion in revenue last season, making its call for budget cuts appear inconsistent with its financial capabilities.

Moreover, the timing and rationale of Madrid’s position have raised eyebrows. Women’s football is experiencing unprecedented growth globally, and Spain recently celebrated its Women’s World Cup victory in 2023. The push for cuts in Liga F funding contrasts sharply with these developments, as well as with the broader push for increased investment in women’s sports.