According to international media sources on Thursday, Real Madrid will start their LaLiga season with a home game against Osasuna after the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) denied their request to postpone the August 19 match.
Madrid wanted more relaxation after losing the Club World Cup semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain. Madrid claimed the date violated since they had the least rest and preparation time.
“A breach of the minimum period of rest and preparation,” the club said.
According to media sources, the RFEF judge said they wanted to protect the competition’s integrity and Madrid’s plea did not warrant an adjustment.
The solitary judge explained that the asking club claims an agreement but has no record.
“Finally, it should be added that although the requesting club claims to have the agreement of the opposing party, CA Osasuna, there is no record of this entity having responded to the request made by this judge,” the judge concluded.
Madrid began their vacation time on July 11 and has enjoyed 21 days of continuous rest per the collective agreement.
Madrid and the players’ union AFE suggested 21 additional days for physical and tactical preparation, but the Spanish football federation’s rules don’t.
Madrid has 48 hours to appeal.
