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Tag: LaLiga

  • LALIGA India show launches with NEWJ partnership

    LALIGA India show launches with NEWJ partnership

    Mumbai: LALIGA – the largest football ecosystem in the world – has launched its first video podcast in India, named the ‘LALIGA India Show’, produced and hosted by NEWJ. Set to be launched in English, Marathi, Kannada, and Bengali vernaculars, the viewing experience will provide fans an opportunity to immerse themselves in the league through a fan-led format, regional vernacular content, spotlighting legendary moments, engaging match day analysis, entertaining fan Interactions, and much more!    

    The LALIGA India Show will be an ancillary content which provides fans an additional medium to experience and participate in the league like never before. Aired on NEWJ’s social-first platform, ‘GameOn by NEWJ’, the sports vertical will bring an Indian fan’s perspective into all things LALIGA. Delving into all things LALIGA, including season/game week reviews, matchday analysis, unforgettable moments, and legendary players, the ‘light-hearted fan-led punditry’ will also provide viewers, a chance to win merchandise and get featured on the show. Looking to unite and ignite the game’s passionate fanbase in India, the show stays true to LALIGA’s innovative and action-packed nature. In India, the league is exclusively broadcast live on Sports18-1, Sports18-1 HD, Sports18-3, and streamed on JioCinema. The ancillary content with NewsJ will provide for additional regional connections and fan engagement.

    Speaking about the development, LALIGA India Delegate Aakriti Vohra, said, “We are thrilled to bring this format of the league to light, and alongside Viacom18, we continue to chart new territories for the brand. The launch of the ‘LALIGA India Show’ provides us a unique platform to further connect with our passionate fans in India. The show’s immersive experience and light-hearted commentary will ensure fans are thoroughly engaged and wanting more!”

    NEWJ co-founder Kunal Chaudhary remarked, “LALIGA’ is monumental; it’s always eagerly anticipated by fans across the globe. While football is one of the most beloved and popular sports there is, there’s still a notable lack of homegrown sports content. It will be very interesting to see how the ‘LALIGA India Show’ is received by its audience, especially in vernacular regions. With more initiatives like this, we can expect the sport to become even more popular and loved.”

  • Vini Jr. and Lamine Yamal shine in March LALIGA AWARDS

    Vini Jr. and Lamine Yamal shine in March LALIGA AWARDS

    Mumbai: LALIGA, as part of its agreement with Globe Soccer, hands out the “LALIGA AWARDS, The Pride of our football” each month recognising top performers in five categories: best goal, best player, best coach, best play and best U23 player.

    To choose these awards, the opinion of the expert committee is added to that of the fans, who can choose each month’s winners on the competition’s website.

    This month’s winners are:

    Best Player: Vini Jr has been voted the LALIGA EA SPORTS MVP for March, a distinction awarded by LALIGA together with EA. Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker has excelled over the past month with five goals in his team’s three LALIGA EA SPORTS matches in March.

    Vini Jr’s five goals helped Real Madrid to seven points from a possible nine during March and, the capital city side maintained an eight-point lead over second-placed FC Barcelona at the top of the standings.

    Best Goal: Lamine Yamal’s goal against RCD Mallorca was voted Best Goal of LALIGA EA SPORTS in March, a distinction awarded by LALIGA together with GolBall.

    In the 73rd minute of the game and with the score at 0-0, Yamal received a pass from Lewandowski, cut inside and with a powerful left-footed shot put the ball straight into the top corner to score a truly stunning goal – the eventual match winner – and sparked madness at the Lluís Companys.

    Best Coach: Marcelino García Toral has been named LALIGA EA SPORTS Best Coach in March, an award presented by LALIGA in conjunction with Microsoft. The Villarreal CF coach oversaw a sensational month of March in which his side took maximum points.

    Los Groguets won all their games across the month, starting with a 5-1 home win over Granada CF. They came from behind to beat Real Betis 3-2 at the Benito Villamarín and ended the month with a 1-0 win over Valencia CF in front of their home fans in the Valencian derby.

    Best Under-23 Player: Pau Cubarsí has been named LALIGA EA SPORTS Best Under-23 Player of the Month for March, an award presented by LALIGA together with Sorare. The young FC Barcelona player has become a permanent fixture in the Blaugrana’s defensive line at just 17 years of age.

    Cubarsí’s regularity and defensive solidity, along with his more than proven ability to play out from the back, make the youngster one of the great revelations of the season and his performances are real vindication for coach Xavi Hernández’s faith in the club’s conveyer belt of young talent.

    Best Play: Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino receive the LALIGA EA SPORTS Best Play of March award, a distinction granted by LALIGA together with VisitSaudi.

    Real Sociedad vs Cadiz CF at the Reale Arena. Take Kubo picked up the ball to take a corner as the visiting defence was positioned in the box. Before that could happen, the Japanese saw Oyarzabal completely unmarked at the near post, on the edge of the six-yard box and quickly placed a low ball to Oyarzabal, who, with his back to him, set up Merino seamlessly. The midfielder took advantage of his team-mate’s brilliant back-heeled assist to strike with his right foot and catch Ledesma completely off his line, scoring the first goal of the match which would end 2-0. 

  • Record attendance at LALIGA stadiums

    Record attendance at LALIGA stadiums

    Mumbai: LALIGA reaches the halfway point of its competitions following Matchday 19 in LALIGA EA SPORTS and Matchday 21 in LALIGA HYPERMOTION. And it does so having had nearly eight million people attending its 41 stadiums, which represents an attendance rate of 73.7 per cent, an increase of 4.9 per cent compared to the same period last season. This data shows the current trend in LALIGA, which increases its attendance every year in comparison to the previous season.

    Specifically, in LALIGA EA SPORTS there has been an increase in total attendees of 0.6 per cent compared to the 22/23 season, exceeding five million people. Regarding the occupancy rate, this season it is 83.4 per cent, increasing by 4.11 per cent compared to last season. In LALIGA HYPERMOTION, more than two million people have passed through one of its courses, increasing the data by 8.9 per cent compared to last season. The occupancy rate in the category reaches 57.5 per cent, which represents an increase of 8.3 per cent compared to the previous season.

    The data derived from the first half of the 2023/24 campaign has one distinction in that FC Barcelona isn’t playing home games at its usual stadium, the 95,426 capacity Camp Nou. Instead, it’s home matches are held at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, which has a capacity of 50,319, a difference of more than 45,000 spectators. Additionally, on Matchday 2 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION, the RCD Espanyol – R. Racing Club fixtures was played behind closed doors. Likewise, attendances in the 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons were affected by the COVID pandemic and construction work in various stadiums.

    In terms of clubs, during this first half of the season, the five teams with the highest average attendance in LALIGA EA SPORTS were Real Madrid CF, Atlético de Madrid, Real Betis, Athletic Club and Valencia CF; whereas, by occupancy, the clubs with the highest occupancy rates were Real Madrid CF (92 per cent), Cádiz CF (91 per cent), Deportivo Alavés (91 per cent), Valencia CF (89 per cent) and CA Osasuna (88 per cent). Cádiz CF, RCD Mallorca, Villarreal CF and Valencia CF all increased their average occupancy rate the most when compared to last season.

    In LALIGA HYPERMOTION, Real Zaragoza, RCD Espanyol, Real Sporting, CD Tenerife and Real Valladolid CF are the five clubs with the highest average attendance at their matches up to Matchday 21. In terms of highest occupancy rate, Burgos CF (78 per cent), CD Tenerife (76 per cent), CD Eldense (70 per cent), Real Zaragoza, Albacete BP and Real Racing (69 per cent) are the clubs with the highest occupancy rates. Compared to last season, CD Tenerife and Albacete BP were the clubs that increased their occupancy rate the most, with Burgos CF being the club with the highest occupancy rate over both seasons.

    These LALIGA stadium attendance figures reflect the current trend in the competition which, since the 2014/15 season, has seen a progressive increase in stadium attendances compared to the previous season, with the exception of the seasons affected by the COVID pandemic. Last season, total attendance between the two competitions was well over 15 million, surpassing the attendance figures from the 2014/15 season by more than two million.

  • LALIGA organises ‘LALIGA AWARDS, The Pride of our Fútbol’

    LALIGA organises ‘LALIGA AWARDS, The Pride of our Fútbol’

    Mumbai: LALIGA, as part of its agreement with Globe Soccer, organises the “LALIGA AWARDS, The Pride of our Fútbol,” which consists of five monthly awards recognising the best goal, best player, best coach, best play and best U23 player, while recognition will also be given to the Team of the Season and the top player in terms of their social contribution.

    To decide these prizes, the opinions of an expert committee are combined with the views from fans, who can vote for each month’s winners on the website titled: Feel the power of our Fútbol | LALIGA.

    Girona FC’s Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk named Best Player.

    High-flying Girona FC continue to be the surprise package of the LALIGA EA SPORTS season, sitting level on points with leaders Real Madrid after 19 matches and racking up three wins and a draw from four matches throughout December. One man who has played a fundamental role in this continued streak is Artem Dovbyk, whose four goals in those four games – including one in his side’s historic and unprecedented 4-2 win away at local rivals and reigning champions FC Barcelona – have led him to be named Best Player for December.

    So impressive have Girona FC’s performances been this past month that Dovbyk’s teammate Yan Couto takes home the Best U23 Player award. The Brazilian has been almost ever-present for the Catalans this season, and this month contributed three assists including one for club stalwart and all-time leading scorer Cristhian Stuani in his side’s dramatic 2-1 win over Valencia CF at Montilivi.

    Elsewhere, Athletic Club’s continued form sees Ernesto Valverde recognized as Best Coach. Los Leones sit in fifth place, just three points off a Champions League spot, with Valverde, now in his third spell in charge at San Mamés, masterminding three wins from four matches across December, including a convincing 2-0 win over title-challengers Atlético de Madrid. Athletic Club stars Nico Williams and Iñigo Lekue also take home the Best Play of the month award for their link-up play in that very same match, a move which began on the right flank and ended with a sensational strike from Nico into Jan Oblak’s top right corner from the most unlikely of angles.

    Finally, the Best Goal award goes to Real Betis wide man Aitor Ruibal – who has played mostly as a right-back this season – for his remarkable long-range strike against LALIGA EA SPORTS leaders Real Madrid. The goal secured a point for Los Verdiblancos and kept Manuel Pellegrini’s men well and truly in the hunt for a European spot.

  • The 27th LALIGA FC FUTURES International Tournament returns to Gran Canaria for Christmas

    The 27th LALIGA FC FUTURES International Tournament returns to Gran Canaria for Christmas

    Mumbai: With the 2023/2024 season ushering in a completely new era for LALIGA together with its partner, EA SPORTS, this revamp is also evident in the most important U12 football tournament in the world, organised by the Fundación José Ramón de la Morena and LALIGA: the LALIGA FC FUTURES Tournament. The XXVII LALIGA FC FUTURES International Tournament will bring the world’s leading youth teams to Gran Canaria once again, with 10 LALIGA teams and 4 international sides competing. It will take place at the Maspalomas Training Centre from December 27th to 29th. This year’s tournament is sponsored by the Gran Canaria Municipal Council, Gran Canaria Tourist Office and the Maspalomas City Council.

    The 27th LALIGA FC FUTURES International Tournament can be seen live on Gol Play, DAZN, Movistar+ and our OTT platform, LALIGA+. It will also be available on LALIGA TV BAR and LALIGA TV HYPERMOTION channels. Matches will also be broadcast digitally on LALIGA’s YouTube channel, LALIGA’s official Twitch channel, plus LALIGA’s official Facebook profile, as well as on Chinese social network Weibo. Additionally, one can also keep up to date with all the latest news on the digital platforms from LALIGA and the broadcasters using the hashtag #LALIGAFCFUTURES.

    The teams are divided into four groups: Real Madrid, Olympique de Marseille, Sevilla FC and UD Las Palmas (Group A); Villarreal CF, Juventus FC and Rayo Vallecano (Group B);

    FC Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and CD Tenerife (Group C); Real Betis, Liverpool FC, Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad (Group D).

    The matches will be played on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th at 10am (local time), with the semi-finals on Friday 29th at 10am and 10:45am (local time) and the final on the same day at 5pm (local time). 

  • More than 700 initiatives over eight years undertaken by LALIGA

    More than 700 initiatives over eight years undertaken by LALIGA

    Mumbai: More than 700 initiatives and projects have been undertaken by LALIGA and its clubs since the 2015/16 season to help eradicate hatred and racism both on and off the pitch. They all aim to promote an inclusive and tolerant society from the bottom up through education, prevention and taking firm action. With these three cornerstones of LALIGA VS, the project developed by LALIGA and the clubs seeks to inspire and raise awareness among fans through the values of football in order to build a society free of hate.

    LALIGA VS (laligavs.com) was created with a dual mission: to give a voice to the work that LALIGA and the clubs have been carrying out continuously for more than eight years to build a more tolerant society, and to serve as an engine for the creation of new initiatives that will help end violent behaviour and hateful attitudes in society. This can be done both within the clubs and in collaboration with other institutions and leagues, such as Asobal and LNFS, as well as groups such as Aficiones Unidas.

    Eight years of progress

    For almost a decade, both LALIGA and its clubs have been involved in hundreds of projects that are now reflected in LALIGA VS.  Some of them are regularly repeated, such as lectures and training sessions given by LALIGA’s Integrity and Security department, and the Future Fans project organised by the FUNDACIÓN. During this period, a total of more than 150 training courses have been given to clubs, youth players, students, coaches, and members of the National Police Force, to name but a few.

    Other long-term initiatives include the launch of M.O.O.D, the Monitor for the Observation of Hate in Sport, which measures the conversation and the level of hate and racism on social media. At present, the latest M.O.O.D index (Matchday 15) is 5.4 out of 10, the lowest figure of the season. This number shows that the conversation on social media is becoming more respectful and tolerant week by week, not least as a result of the awareness-raising activities carried out by LALIGA and its clubs.

    Some one-off but high-impact campaigns have also taken place, such as those carried out earlier this season at LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION grounds, where LALIGA VS armbands were handed out to club captains, fans in the stands, and LALIGA GENUINE players; and the inclusion of stickers in stadiums with QR codes inviting fans to provide information related to any discriminatory acts they might witness.

    The clubs have also helped take these projects to all parts of Spain. Over the last five years, LALIGA teams have implemented 44 campaigns aimed at curbing hate speech. Some of them are included in the framework of LALIGA VS Racism, such as the VCF World project, carried out by Valencia CF to end discrimination and racist insults. Others have been designed to curb homophobia both on and off the football pitch, such as the day against LGTBI-phobia organised by FC Barcelona. And others are aimed at stopping hate, such as Atlético de Madrid’s We love football campaign. Each has a place in LALIGA VS, a platform created among other reasons, to give them greater visibility.

    Since 2015, when the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport and the Spanish Federation’s Competition Committee began to receive reports of abusive chants heard in professional football stadiums, LALIGA’s Legal, and Integrity and Safety Offices received 505 complaints of such incidents.

    In addition to these complaints, since LALIGA launched its reporting channel for abusive behaviour last year, three allegations are being examined and investigated by LALIGA’s Legal, and Integrity and Security Departments. This underlines the importance of fans, and society in general, joining the project and contributing to the eradication of hate and abuse in sport and beyond.

    In parallel to the implementation of all these initiatives, LALIGA has formally requested an amendment to Law 19/2007 of 11 July 2007 (against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport) and Law 39/2022 of 30 December 2002 (on sport) in order to have formal jurisdiction in these matters.

    A Christmas campaign to help inspire children

    As part of the prevention and awareness actions, LALIGA VS has developed an awareness campaign so that fans who come every weekend to the stadiums are aware that every gesture has consequences among children. As with this initiative, others will continue to be organised both by the clubs and by LALIGA, aimed at building a society free of hatred and abuse.

  • Update regarding the election process for the presidency of LALIGA

    Update regarding the election process for the presidency of LALIGA

    Mumbai: The Electoral Commission of the National Professional Football League (LALIGA), met this morning and in accordance with the provisions of the statutes, regulations and the electoral calendar, has adopted the following resolutions in relation to the elections convened for the presidency of LALIGA:

    Having examined the candidacy presented by Javier Tebas Medrano, and having verified that it was presented in due time and form and that it complies with the statutory and regulatory precepts applicable to this effect, and with there being no other candidates, to provisionally proclaim LALIGA president Javier Tebas Medrano.

    To order the secretary of the electoral commission, in the application of the provisions of the first paragraph of Article four of Book II of the general regulations of the National Professional Football League, to notify the resolution adopted to Javier Tebas Medrano, as well as to all LALIGA members, and to publish it on the website.

    Under the provisions of the electoral calendar, 14 December 2023 is the next meeting date for the electoral commission, to resolve any appeals or, where appropriate, to proclaim the president final. However, in the event that no appeals are lodged against the resolutions of the electoral commission, it may unanimously bring forward its meeting to 12 December 2023 following the 8:00 p.m. deadline for lodging appeals.

  • LALIGA and Turespaña unveil transformative initiative for Indian football enthusiasts

    LALIGA and Turespaña unveil transformative initiative for Indian football enthusiasts

    Mumbai: In an exciting announcement at the “Exploring destination delights and the magic of football in Spain” event, LALIGA, in collaboration with Tourism Office of Spanish Embassy (Turespaña) and Instituto Cervantes, revealed a visionary initiative aimed at transcending boundaries, using football as a conduit for cultural and human connection between Spain and India. With a focus on enhancing regional ties, the alliance endeavors to bring Indian fans closer to the richness of Spanish culture. Through innovative tools fostering tourism connections, breaking down language barriers, and providing immersive football experiences, Indian fans have the scope to embrace “Spain” as a distinctive and unparalleled brand.

    With an unwavering commitment to harness the allure of the beautiful game for its transformative impact, LALIGA stands resolute in its ongoing endeavors in India. Aligned with a visionary mission to offer collaborative growth opportunities across stakeholders in the football ecosystem, LALIGA seeks to utilise “The Power of our Fútbol”, to drive change beyond the realm of sports. Acting as a catalyst for meaningful connections, LALIGA hope to yield far-reaching implications across football, business, social, and cultural spheres.

    On the other hand, The Tourism Office of Spain (Turespaña), Mumbai continues to work as the principal tourism body to spearhead promotion of Spain as a tourism destination in India. A destination that provides a unique opportunity to the international travel to experience a variety of activities in one single trip – whether its art & culture, gastronomy, luxury or sport, among others, Spain indeed remains one of the preferred European destinations for the Indian traveler.

    With Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish government’s mission is to promote the teaching of the Spanish language and Spain’s co-official languages. It also aims to foster knowledge of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.

    Speaking at the presentation, Turespaña director Elisa Robles said, “Turespaña is thrilled to embark on this fantastic initiative alongside LALIGA and Instituto Cervantes. Our collaboration aims to create a bridge between Spain and India, using the universal language of football to foster cultural understanding. This alliance not only enriches the experience for Indian football fans, but also opens doors to explore the vibrant tapestry of Spanish culture, ultimately allowing the Indian travelers to truly explore and experience the beautiful destination that is Spain.”

    Instituto Cervantes director Òscar Pujol in Delhi said, “Football with its universal appeal, provides a unique platform to cultivate connections. Along with the Spanish – Hindi & Bengali dictionary, we are delighted to play our part once again in these sustained efforts aimed to enhance regional ties through the breaking of language barriers and fostering of relationships through football.”

    LALIGA Global Network Delegate in India Aakriti Vohra added, “LALIGA is not just a league; it’s a cultural bridge, and we are excited to once again showcase ‘The Power of our Fútbol’ as a catalyst for positive change and meaningful connections in the Indian subcontinent. As an addition to the Spanish – Hindi & Bengali dictionary, It is a moment of great pride to announce this transformative collaboration with Turespaña and Instituto Cervantes and bring Indian fans ever closer to the vibrant spirit of Spanish culture.”

     

  • PUMA and LALIGA unveil new official ball for the upcoming matches of the 2023/24 season

    PUMA and LALIGA unveil new official ball for the upcoming matches of the 2023/24 season

    Mumbai: Global sports brand PUMA and LALIGA present the Orbita Yellow Ball, a high-visibility ball designed specifically for LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION matches played from 20 November 2023 to 27 April 2024.

    PUMA has designed a powerful campaign to launch the ball, starring PUMA athletes Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak, Nabil Fekir and Memphis Depay. The Orbita Yellow Ball is a striking competition ball that brings people together through the unique bond created through football that inspires players all over the world.

    The new official match ball has been designed to deliver exceptional performance on the pitch, even in low-visibility conditions. Every detail, from the surface texture to its advanced aerodynamics, has been meticulously engineered to ensure superior control, precision, and an unparalleled playing experience.  

    The Orbita Yellow Ball provides enhanced visibility with a vibrant color combo of dandelion yellow as the primary base and complimented by striking high-contrast colors for more dynamic and exciting play. Incorporating elements that capture the attention of players and fans alike, the ball’s design reflects the spirit of football.

    The ball features a seamless, 12-panel sealed structure for more stable flight, true trajectories,  and more accurate shots. Its 1.2 mm 3D textured PU surface delivers optimal grip, even in wet weather conditions, and has been designed to resist wear and tear for exceptional performance.

    The Orbita Yellow Ball promises to elevate the game and the excitement on the field by offering LALIGA teams and players superior quality.

    The official ball of LALIGA EA SPORTS 2023/24 and LALIGA HYPERMOTION 2023/24 is available from 20 November, at puma.com and select retailers worldwide.

  • Óscar Mayo leaves LALIGA

    Óscar Mayo leaves LALIGA

    Mumbai: Óscar Mayo Pardo, until now chief executive officer of LALIGA, will leave the organisation in January 2024 to take on new professional challenges.

    Mayo, who held the position of CEO since 2021, made his decision after seven years working for LALIGA. He has been responsible for multiple successes at LALIGA such as the exponential growth of commercial revenues and the signing of key partnerships. One of these was the agreement with CVC, which has brought nearly 2 billion euros into the competition, and he also helped with establishing joint ventures in China, MENA and the United States.  

    In the words of LALIGA president Javier Tebas, “Óscar has performed excellently in every position he’s held at LALIGA and his work has contributed substantially to the major milestones achieved in recent years”.

    With the departure of Mayo, LALIGA, which has spent weeks preparing for this transition, will reorganise its management structure and appoint Jorge de la Vega, who was previously the deputy CEO.

    De la Vega, who joined LALIGA three years ago, has also served as Commercial and Marketing Director, achieving 130% growth in the areas under his management, as well as being responsible for accomplishments such as signing with title sponsor EA Sports .

    In addition to his experience with LALIGA, he spent more than 12 years in various management positions within the marketing department at Real Madrid C.F., giving him a global vision of the industry, which is essential for his new role.

    To further strengthen the management team, LALIGA appoints Juan Vicente Marín as deputy CEO. Marín, with over six years of experience at LALIGA, and until now held the position of CEO of LALIGA ENTERTEINMENT, where LALIGA is already preparing his replacement.

    Both Jorge de la Vega and Juan Vicente Marín will be part of LALIGA’s Executive Committee upon their appointments and between them they will occupy the positions held by Mayo in LALIGA’s subsidiary companies. Furthermore, Marta Alonso, Deputy Director of Corporate General Management, joins the Executive Committee, reinforcing both management divisions.