LaLiga president Javier Tebas has pledged absolute support to AD Ceuta FC and called for the defense of Ceuta as the Spanish autonomous city faces an ongoing border migration crisis.
Tebas issued his statement on social media prior to the club's first home fixture of the season against Las Palmas at the Alfonso Murube stadium on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
LaLiga President Promises Full Backing
The league leader declared that football must serve as a platform to highlight an outrageous and incomprehensible situation in the North African territory. He stated that Ceuta is part of Spain by history, by right, and by the shared feelings of thousands of citizens living there who deserve national backing.
Tebas pledged that LaLiga will defend the city within its competencies and use all resources at its disposal to support the club, its players, its fans, and all residents. He added that while weekly matches unite supporters across Spain, that unity is especially vital in Ceuta today.
Emotional Plea From Manager Jose Juan Romero
The statement followed an emotional press conference on Friday by AD Ceuta FC manager Jose Juan Romero, who spoke through tears about the hardship facing the city. Romero stated he felt deeply disappointed with Spain and criticized what he described as a severe lack of humanity and solidarity toward local residents.
The manager recalled how Ceuta had mobilized to provide extensive aid to Valencia during the catastrophic DANA storm flooding. He expressed frustration that despite that effort, the city is currently receiving zero assistance from the rest of the country.
Home Fixture Amid Border Crisis
Romero has repeatedly used football press conferences in recent weeks to draw attention to the escalating crisis. The situation worsened significantly on July 30 after thousands of Moroccan migrants entered the autonomous city.
AD Ceuta FC recently earned promotion to LaLiga Hypermotion, the second tier of Spanish football. The team began its league campaign with an away defeat against Andorra before returning to host Las Palmas at home.
Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the North African coast, sharing a land border with Morocco. LaLiga is the governing organization that oversees Spain's top professional football divisions.
