What's the Professional Soccer League?

Soccer in Spain is regulated by the professional soccer league and the royal Spanish soccer federation. So, what exactly does the professional soccer league do?
What's the Professional Soccer League?

Last update: 06 December, 2019

We often hear about the Spanish soccer league, it’s considered to be one of the most prestigious, professional soccer leagues in the world. However, do you know what it is and why it’s so famous? In this article, we’ll share the definition and functions of the famous Spanish soccer league.

What is the professional soccer league?

The PFL (Professional Football League) is a private sports association that was founded in the nineties (1994 to be specific). Although it’s part of the royal Spanish soccer federation (RFEF), it’s recognized as its own entity.

As determined by current sports law (Law 10/1990, of October 15) the PFL is made up of all first and second division clubs and sports societies that take part in official and professional competitions held at a state level.

Functions of the professional soccer league

The function of the professional soccer league is to organize first and second division matches in Spain, in conjunction with the royal Spanish soccer federation. Theoretically, both organizations should coordinate the main points of competitions and events by common agreement.

In practice, the PFL’s job is to supervise, control and exercise disciplinary authority before the Spanish soccer clubs. This includes the conditions on the field and the control of ticket sales and betting.

Nacho fernandez professional football

Today, the PFL stands out mainly for its management of the distribution of television rights with respect to the 42 teams under its control. This includes 20 first division and 22-second division teams.

However, over the past few years, the relationship between the PFL and the RSFF has been under strain in the theoretical sphere. The political and ideological inequalities between these organizations have caused harm to the execution of practical aspects. Nowadays, there are often differences between agreements and schedules.

The PFL has established many agreements with the Association of Spanish Soccer Players (AFE), the higher sports council (HSC) and other public and private entities. They have done so in order to optimize the exercise of their functions.

The PFL and commercial issues

Another important and somewhat controversial function of the PFL is to manage the commercial exploitation of the Spanish league. In fact, all commercial agreements involving the Spanish league must be reviewed by the professional soccer league.

The following are functions of the PFL in the economic field:

  • Approve the advertising rules on sportswear.
  • Review tour agreements of clubs.
  • Organize advertising inside sports venues.
  • Control betting.
  • Regulate the limits of the share capital of sports corporations.
Antoine griezmann professional football

The PFL and the fight against violence in sports venues

Among the many attributions of the PFL, it also has the task of preventing violent acts, discrimination, and intolerance in sports venues. As of 2014, the PFL had to assume the leading role in the fight against violence in soccer.

This role has caused a lot of controversy. A well-known example was when the PFL didn’t suspend a game at Vicente Calderon after an unfortunate episode occurred in the stadium leading to the death of a young fan.

After this unforgettable event, the PFL was forced to reinforce security and to control the entrances of the stadiumIn addition, they carry out several campaigns to promote respect and to end intolerance in soccer.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.