Spain's soccer federation is suspending all league and cup matches from May 16 in protest at a proposed law on the sale of television rights and the division of the income earned.

The federation said the decision had been taken by its board of directors on Wednesday.

The government approved the law on April 30, although it still needs to be approved by Parliament. It aims to regulate the rights to broadcast first and second division games as well as Copa del Rey and Supercup matches.

However, the federation said the proposed legislation "has not resolved any of the problems gravely affecting soccer."

As a result, the federation has called an "indefinite strike" that will "suspend all competitions in all categories" from mid-May.

The last two rounds of the Spanish league, along with the Copa del Rey final on May 30, fall after that date.

Firstpost