Why was Real Madrid denied extra rest for La Liga season?
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Synopsis
Real Madrid's hopes for extra rest before the La Liga season have been dashed. A judge from the Spanish football federation ruled against their request to delay their opening match, emphasizing adherence to rest period regulations. With their first game just around the corner, how will they adapt to this unexpected challenge?
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid requested to delay their La Liga opening match.
- Judge ruled no violation of rest period rules.
- Players had the required 21 days of rest.
- Madrid faced a 4-0 defeat in the Club World Cup.
- Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have their matches scheduled soon.
New Delhi, Aug 1 (NationPress) A judge from the Spanish football federation has turned down Real Madrid's plea to postpone their initial match of the 2025-26 La Liga season, asserting that no breach of the prescribed rest period regulations occurred.
The club aimed to reschedule their upcoming game against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on August 19 (local time), claiming inadequate recovery and preparation time following their involvement in the Club World Cup.
Real Madrid’s run in the international competition concluded on July 9, suffering a significant 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Club officials argued that the early league match, scheduled only 41 days later, breached the stipulations outlined in the collective bargaining agreement that governs professional football in Spain. They maintained that players were not provided sufficient time for both rest and tactical preparation ahead of the new domestic season.
However, in a ruling published on Thursday, RFEF judge Jose Alberto Pelaez decided that Madrid’s players commenced their rest on July 11 and had been granted the 21 consecutive days of rest mandated by the agreement. He also noted that there is no regulation that requires an additional mandatory preparation period following the rest phase, countering the claims made by both Real Madrid and the players’ union AFE.
This ruling allows Madrid the possibility to appeal within 48 hours, although the decision seems firmly anchored in the existing legal framework.
In the meantime, Barcelona will launch their league journey on August 16, playing away against Real Mallorca, while Atletico Madrid is scheduled to compete against Espanyol on August 17.
Despite their notable summer activities, Real Madrid must now quickly redirect their attention as they gear up to commence another challenging domestic season without the scheduling reprieve they were hoping for.
Point of View
I believe this ruling highlights the importance of adhering to established regulations in professional sports. Real Madrid's appeal illustrates the ongoing struggles teams face when balancing international commitments with domestic league schedules, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines in the ever-demanding world of football.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Real Madrid's request regarding La Liga?
Real Madrid requested a postponement of their opening match in the 2025-26 La Liga season due to insufficient recovery time after the Club World Cup.
What was the outcome of Real Madrid's request?
The Spanish football federation judge rejected Real Madrid's request, stating that they complied with the rest period regulations.
When is Real Madrid's first match of the season?
Real Madrid's first match of the La Liga season is scheduled against Osasuna on August 19.
Why did Real Madrid feel they needed more rest?
Real Madrid argued that their players did not have adequate time for rest and tactical preparation following their participation in the Club World Cup.
What are the implications of the ruling for Real Madrid?
The ruling means Real Madrid must prepare for their domestic season without the additional rest they sought, which could impact their performance.
