Conspiracy theory

Rayo Vallecano vice president Alvaro Mateos talks exclusively to World Football's Alan Green about what he says is a government conspiracy to drive his club out of La Liga...

This week Madrid-based Rayo Vallecano claimed the Spanish government was behind a conspiracy to get the club relegated.

They even produced a video of refereeing decisions against them which they say prove the accusations are true.

The vice president Alvaro Mateos told World Football how he believes a long-running dispute between his father and the government over his family's wine business is the cause of the problem.

"I think this war between my father and the government has made the referees and the government treat the club differently" he said.

"I don't think it's anything to do with the individual referees, but the government influences their decisions.

"The government can decide which clubs win things and which get relegated".

Sr Alvaro implied that the Spanish government was able to influence the outcome of matches.

"I am sure that every week there are political decisions influencing football clubs" he said.

"But this situation is new because there has never been such a war between the government and a family like mine.

"It's difficult to talk about the referees because sometimes they can't see what's going on, but in our stadium we keep seeing unusual situations which makes us think the referees are being influenced, which makes us worry.

"La Liga has a very good reputation in terms of players and teams and quality of football, but sometimes if you have something against the government you pay for it on the football pitch" he claimed.

"The sports teams are made to suffer by losing matches. They treat you differently.

"It's hard to know what to do" he said.

"At least we can make sure everyone knows about it, and try to explain the situation Rayo Vallcano is in.

"I'm sure the government is involved, but I can't prove it.

"I don't know what will happen If we are relegated, but if these referees mistakes continue my family will not follow the club. We will leave the club if they send us to the second division".

You can hear all of Alan Green's interview with Rayo Vallecano vice president Alvaro Mateos on World Football on Saturday 6 April on BBC World Service. Check local listings for exact times. Or you can use the audio link at the top of the page.