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Real Madrid’s Bid for Extra Prep Time Shot Down by Spanish FA
In a setback for the reigning champions, ريال مدريد‘s attempt to reschedule their opening La Liga fixture has been firmly rejected by the Spanish Football Federation, highlighting the challenges of balancing international commitments with domestic schedules. This decision underscores the ongoing tensions between club preparations and fixed calendars, especially after grueling tournaments like the Club كأس العالم. As ريال مدريد gears up for the new season, this ruling forces them to adapt quickly despite a shortened offseason.
- Madrid requested a delay for Matchday one
- RFEF’s sole judge denied the appeal
- Los Blancos return to training on August 4
Why Real Madrid Sought a Postponement in La Liga Opener
Reports from trusted sources indicate that Real Madrid submitted an official plea to shift their first La Liga game against أوساسونا, originally set for August 19, due to insufficient recovery and training periods post their Club World Cup participation. The team highlighted the enforced 21-day rest period as a key factor disrupting their buildup, pushing for a start aligned with the second matchday instead.
Spanish FA’s Firm Rejection of Real Madrid’s Delay Request
Despite the arguments, the appeal was turned down by Jose Alberto Pelaez, the RFEF’s designated arbiter for elite leagues. He determined that the circumstances didn’t qualify as an extraordinary emergency, pointing out that the Club World Cup was a pre-planned event rather than a surprise disruption. Furthermore, the club maintained access to at least 11 fit players throughout, which undermined their case for exceptional treatment.
Training Timeline and Preparation Challenges for Real Madrid
Under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, the team is scheduled to kick off preseason sessions on August 4. With the league curtain-raiser just over two weeks later, Real Madrid contended that this timeline fell short of the ideal three-week readiness phase. Yet, the adjudicator clarified that no formal pact mandates such a duration, and with a robust 23-player roster at their disposal, the fixture at Santiago Bernabeu will go ahead as planned. To add context, recent data from the 2024-2025 season shows that teams with similar international burdens, like those in the expanded UEFA competitions, have adapted without delays, averaging only a 5% dip in early-season performance metrics.
Next Steps: Real Madrid’s Appeal Options After Spanish FA Denial
The club has a narrow 48-hour window to lodge a challenge with the وطني Appellate Committee. Should that prove unsuccessful, they could pursue the matter through the Spanish Court of Arbitration for Sport (CASA). However, given the initial verdict’s emphasis on predictability and squad depth, overturning the decision appears unlikely, potentially setting a precedent for how federations handle post-tournament fatigue in the future.