“Bigger Impact than 9/11”: Tebas Draws Parallel Between Rubiales’ Case and September 11 Terrorist Attacks

La Liga president Javier Tebas has made a controversial comparison, suggesting that the “reputational damage” inflicted upon Spanish football by the embattled president, Luis Rubiales, bears a resemblance to the profound impact of the Twin Tower terrorist attacks that shook the United States on September 11, 2001.

In a recent statement addressing the Rubiales saga, Tebas expressed his deep concern for the state of Spanish football, emphasizing the need to salvage its reputation amidst a turbulent period. He remarked, “We all have to work to save our reputation in a year that has been terrible; it’s the stark reality we face, and it will come at a significant cost.”

The unfolding events have witnessed a transition from a suspended president to one who has now resigned, further complicating the already tumultuous situation. Tebas chose to withhold judgment on Rubiales’ management, asserting that such aspects were already well-documented.

However, it was Tebas’ next statement that ignited controversy, as he stated, “The reputational damage that is being done to Spanish football is terrible. It is the biggest news in the digital media in history. Greater than 9/11,” making a startling comparison between the Rubiales scandal and the historic tragedy of September 11.

Critics have sharply criticized Tebas for what they consider an insensitive and inappropriate analogy, especially given that the Twin Tower attacks resulted in the loss of over 3,000 lives and had a profound global impact on security, geopolitics, and society at large. Many argue that drawing any parallel between such a tragedy and the Rubiales scandal is unwarranted and in poor taste.

As the Rubiales controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Tebas’ comments will be received by the public and the football community, with many urging for greater sensitivity and discretion when discussing matters of such gravity.