Spanish clubs threaten strike in April

Published Feb. 11, 2011 12:02 p.m. ET

foxsports

Spanish clubs may strike over the weekend of Apr. 2-3 if the government keeps a rule guaranteeing one league match from each round must be shown on free TV.

The head of Spain's professional soccer league (LFP) wants the rule dropped starting with the 2012-13 season. Jose Luis Astiazaran says the move gives the body a better position for negotiating TV rights. He says it would not necessarily mean the free matches would come to an end.

If the strike action goes ahead, the 30th round of games would be moved forward one week, with the season ending in June.

The LFP, which represents topflight and second division teams, also wants a better share of betting revenue and lottery earnings from the government.