Thirteen La Liga clubs threaten to delay start of 2012-13 season

The opening weekend of the new season could be postponed as 13 sides are ready to go on strike over a dispute on television rights

The start of the 2012-13 Liga could be delayed as 13 clubs are threatening with a strike following a dispute on television rights.



Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, Celta Vigo, Espanyol, Getafe, Granada, Real Mallorca, Osasuna, Rayo Vallecano, Real Sociedad, Sevilla and Real Zaragoza met on Tuesday to discuss an action plan and demand that the Spanish football league takes action in four areas.



"Every club which attended the meeting disagrees with the recent developments in the First Division of the National Professional Football League (LNFP). We believe these developments show a great lack of respect to the clubs, all which are members of the LFNP," a statement from the 13 clubs reads.



"Therefore, in light of the great uncertainty facing every club in the league, owing to the lack of agreement between the television companies which own the broadcasting rights of the clubs, the aforementioned clubs have unanimously agreed to ask the president of the LNFP to call an urgent board meeting for Primera Division clubs next Tuesday August 14 to discuss, vote and if appropriate, approve the following items:



"1. Demand immediate payment of all money owed by television operators to Primera Division clubs.

2. Demand the withdrawal of all legal action against Primera Division clubs in relation to contracts of sale of media rights.

3. Create a transparent and regulated procedure to organise kick-off times and dates for La Liga matches.

4. Require television operators to establish a stable framework to ensure the fair distribution of broadcasting rights for all clubs in the Primera Division.



"If a solution is not reached which all clubs can agree on, the aforementioned clubs are prepared to take whatever measures are necessary, including delaying the start of the 2012-13 league season, which is scheduled to begin on August 18."



Several club directors had already expressed their outrage at the recent decision by the league to schedule games for 23:00 in the first two weekends of the season.