Real Madrid set to appeal La Liga’s refusal to postpone Osasuna clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid are ready to file an official appeal after the Spanish Football Federation’s sole competition judge turned down their request to postpone their opening La Liga match against Osasuna.

According to a report by COPE, the club is unhappy with the decision and plans to escalate the matter to the Second Degree National Committee.

The dispute stems from a promise made back in May.

During a meeting with La Liga and the AFE (Spanish Footballers’ Association), team captains were assured that any club reaching the Club World Cup semifinals would be allowed to delay their opening league fixture.

Real Madrid, having gone that far in the competition, expected this promise to be honoured.

Madrid feel FIFA guidelines were ignored

Real Madrid will appeal La Liga’s decision. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The sole competition judge, however, rejected Real Madrid’s appeal, stating that there were no “compelling reasons” to shift the match date.

The decision was based on the current regulations, which guarantee players a minimum 21-day break, as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. From the judge’s point of view, the rules were followed and the required rest period was respected.

But Real Madrid believe this reasoning is flawed. They argue that FIFA’s official guidance recommends a break of between three and five weeks before preseason begins, especially for teams involved in long tournaments.

The club views this rejection as a refusal to prioritise player welfare.

Madrid’s frustration deepens due to La Liga’s apparent change of stance. The earlier verbal agreement now seems forgotten, and the club feels misled.

Although they are not overly confident the appeal will succeed, they still intend to move forward with it. Real Madrid have two days to submit the appeal to the National Appellate Court.