La Liga Strike Still On As Talks Between Players Union, League Fail To Reach Agreement

The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) was represented by its president, Luis Rubiales, and Spanish Football League (LFP) President Javier Tebas represented the league -- with each accompanied by two lawyers -- at a meeting on Tuesday, according to Sergio Fernández of MARCA. Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Ángel María Villar "was not present, as expected," at the meeting called to avoid a strike set to begin Saturday. Villar was represented at the meeting by a lawyer. The next step in this process will be Wednesday at Spain's National Court. For the clubs, "this will be the last to chance to avoid a costly strike." They are "hoping the strike will be declared illegal, or at least for there to be temporary measures to postpone it." Rubiales said, "It has not been possible to reach an agreement with La Liga. At least we have sat at the same table. We have been talking, each party on its position, and we will continue trying, but the strike is still on" (MARCA, 5/12).