The Barça-Valencia case, which threatens to be played at Johan Cruyff Stadium, continues to unleash a storm of criticism throughout Spanish soccer.
The Sant Joan Despí venue, with just 7,500 seats, doesn't meet the minimum capacity requirements set by LaLiga for First Division matches, which are set at more than 15,000. However, Barça is maneuvering to push the venue through with the complicity of the organizations that must make the decision.
On El Desmarque, one of the most followed debates of the day, several panelists expressed their outrage at what they consider a comparative grievance. Among all of them, Siro López's voice stood out, as he didn't hesitate to say out loud what many are thinking. Even beyond Madridism.
"It's shameful, the rules are adapted to Barça"
The journalist was blunt in his remarks, stating that this is yet another example of favoritism toward the culé side. "It's shameful, the rules are adapted to Barça," Siro fired. He recalled that when Real Madrid or any other team has needed solutions of this kind, they were never allowed to bypass the regulations.
"If Real Madrid wanted to play in a stadium with 7,500 seats, LaLiga wouldn't allow it, not even as a joke. But Barça is allowed everything. There's always an exception for them," he added, visibly outraged.
For Siro, what happened is proof that Spanish soccer has a double standard that harms the rest of the clubs.
More critical voices on the set
Siro wasn't alone in his protest. Other colleagues from the program were also critical of the situation.
"This is disgraceful. The regulations are there to be followed, not to be bypassed when it comes to Barça," another panelist pointed out.
It was clear that what's at stake isn't a simple logistical detail, but the equality of the competition.
"Any other team would've been told to look for an alternative stadium, but here they look the other way because it's Barça." This is the reflection of another of the invited analysts, emphasizing that Johan Cruyff doesn't meet the minimum conditions for a top-level match.
A debate that ignites LaLiga
At Real Madrid and other clubs, discontent has already leaked. Possible appeals are being studied if the match is ultimately played at Johan Cruyff, which would open an unprecedented conflict in the championship.
"Not even in Second Division do they accept a stadium of these dimensions. It's a monumental embarrassment for LaLiga," Siro López insisted.
The general feeling in the debate was unanimous: if Barça is allowed to play the match in Sant Joan Despí, a very dangerous precedent would be set. The word most repeated was "disgraceful," a term that sums up the mood in much of Spanish soccer.
The wound remains open
Barça is pushing for Johan Cruyff to be authorized, and the City Council is delaying permits for the provisional Camp Nou. The case continues to grow in the media and in offices. What seemed like a simple organizational detail has turned into a political, sporting, and media battle.
What is clear is that Siro López's words hit the mark: "The rules are adapted to Barça. That's unacceptable."