Spanish league referees threaten strike
Barcelona's long-awaited league fixture with Real Madrid this Saturday could be postponed along with other Primera Liga matches if a planned strike by referees over unpaid salaries goes ahead.
Barcelona's long-awaited league fixture with Real Madrid this Saturday could be postponed along with other Primera Liga matches if a planned strike by referees over unpaid salaries goes ahead.
A letter has been sent to the Spanish football federation (RFEF) by the unhappy referees, who have threatened to strike on Saturday and Sunday if they do not receive salaries they claim are owed for February and March.
Spanish league referees are normally paid by the Spanish League (LFP) through the RFEF.
The LFP told AFP Tuesday they had sent a cheque for an "appropriate" amount, 1.1 million euros, to cover the salaries to the RFEF on March 17. However the RFEF are claiming 1.86 million euros for the salaries.
The RFEF said they had returned the cheque for 1.1 million euros and are awaiting the full amount so they can pay the referees.
Both parties however said they were hopeful of reaching agreement before the weekend.
The 31st day of Spanish league action also sees Real Zaragoza host Villarreal and Malaga visit Real Sociedad at 2000 local time.