Mason Greenwood’s background not a barrier for La Liga move, says president Javier Tebas

Mason Greenwood, a one-time England international, faced allegations of rape and sexual assault in January 2022 but was cleared of all charges by February 2023.

Chirag

February 29, 2024

Javier Tebas Has Not Problem With Mason Greenwood's Past — Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images and Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Greenwood, an English player with a single international cap, faced allegations of rape and sexual assault in January 2022, resulting in his suspension by Manchester United. However, all charges against him were dropped by February 2023, clearing the path for a loan move to Getafe.

During his season-long loan, Greenwood has impressed with seven goals and five assists, reportedly catching the attention of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. A permanent transfer in 2024 is a possibility, with Tebas expressing his openness to such a deal.

Speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit, La Liga chief Tebas remarked, “He’s doing really well at Getafe as a player and I hope he continues to be successful and he continues to stay in Spanish football because that’s always good for us. He is just another player. He had a past, but not a past we can do anything about. He was innocent and wasn’t condemned. We can’t be judges for everything. If we did that, we’d have no teams. I’m a lawyer, so it’s important to say he is not condemned. He was acquitted here [in the UK]. Should we have reopened the case in Spain? Do I know the case in great detail? No. Greenwood was not condemned, so I don’t care.”

Manchester United is anticipated to authorize a sale in the upcoming transfer window, although Sir Jim Ratcliffe has hinted at the possibility of Greenwood returning to Old Trafford. The INEOS chief stated, “It’s quite clear we have to make a decision. There is no decision that’s been made. We will make a decision, and we will justify it one way or the other. He’s on loan obviously, but he’s not the only one – we’ve got one or two footballers that we have to deal with and we have to make a decision on, so we will do that.”

Despite being under contract with Manchester until 2025, Greenwood has found solace in his new beginning in Spain, with reports suggesting he may decline the chance to rejoin Manchester United if offered.