01 February 2023 , 16:56
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La Liga officials have called for further regulation after accusing Premier League clubs of "doping" and "cheating" with their record-breaking January spending.
Top-flight clubs in England were extraordinarily busy during the winter transfer window and forked out a reported £815million.
Chelsea - financed by the riches of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital - were by far the busiest team. The Blues spent more than the Bundlesiga, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 clubs combined, their most recent acquisition being the British-record arrival of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
In response to the Premier League's exorbitant spending, La Liga president Javier Tebas shared a video on Twitter of corporate general director Javier Gomez demanding that UEFA moves to monitor business in the Premier League far more than the governing body is already doing.
"We are aware there is a lot of talk about how La Liga's economic control means Spanish clubs sign less than Premier League clubs," he said. "Let's explain what's behind that. What's the truth? The reality is that at La Liga we want clubs to spend what they can afford and generate themselves, that is to say, their own revenues.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"It is true that shareholders are also allowed to support the club and put money in to spend more than the club itself can generate, but within certain limits."
He continued: "What's the issue? Essentially, they [Premier League owners] are 'doping' the club. They are injecting money not generated by the club for it to spend, which puts the viability of the club at risk if the shareholder leaves. In our opinion, that is cheating, because it drags down the rest of the leagues.
Chelsea were the highest spenders in Europe and sealed the services of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica (Getty Images)Do you agree with La Liga's stance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
"That is our fight, demanding that UEFA implements a new economic regulation that prevents the shareholder of a club from putting in more than a certain amount and that it enforces this rule and sanctions non-compliant clubs. It doesn't matter which league or country it is, they should sanction clubs that don't comply with this regulation."
Whilst Chelsea were the highest-spenders across Europe throughout January, a number of their Premier League rivals also spent huge amounts - even stretching into the relegation zone. Bournemouth, Leeds and Southampton turned to the market in efforts to stave off the threat of dropping to the Championship.
Intriguingly, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United were forced to welcome a number of loans in January as funds were limited. They welcomed Jack Butland, Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer on loan deals until the end of the campaign.
Despite not spending as heavily as their Premier League rivals, the Red Devils are plotting a huge outlay in the summer, which will likely leave La Liga officials irritated once more.
Harry Kane has been linked with a move to Old Trafford whilst previous reports also suggested that they are ready to renew their interest in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong after failing to sign the Dutchman last summer.