The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) released a statement criticizing Spanish Superior Sports Council (CSD) President MIGUEL CARDENAL for "defending Barcelona after being silent during similar cases" involving LIONEL MESSI and other clubs, according to MARCA. The AFE's statement said, "We want to express our discomfort with the CSD's supposed 'transparency and responsibility requirement' because of its recent actions, which have left us on the margins. ... Lastly, we want to point out that the CSD is not treating all clubs and players equally" (MARCA, 3/5).
CSD RELEASES STATEMENT: MUNDO DEPORTIVO reported the CSD released a statement "explaining its position regarding Cardenal's open letter." The CSD said in its statement, "The CSD wants to express the following: Absolute respect for the independence and performance of the justice system in any open proceedings against Spanish sports clubs. In any legal situation, the courts will always have collaboration from the CSD. ... When the tone of sporting criticism transcends healthy competition, the CSD President should not remain silent" (MUNDO DEPORTIVO, 3/5).
