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<ul><li>Madrid requested a delay for Matchday one</li><li>RFEF’s sole judge denied the appeal</li><li>Los Blancos return to training on August 4</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Real Madrid rejected! Spanish FA turn down request to delay La Liga opener despite short break after Club World Cup

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<p>According to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20250731/1002508723/desestiman-aplazamiento-real-madrid-osasuna.html" target="_blank"><em>Mundo Deportivo</em></a>, Madrid’s formal request to delay their <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/real-madrid-ask-la-liga-delay-opening-game-of-season-club-world-cup-agreement-osasuna/blt963f105f5a94781c#csd2df95a740d4f019" target="_blank">La Liga opener against Osasuna on August 19</a> has been rejected by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The club argued that they needed more time for preseason preparation following their involvement in the Club World Cup and a mandatory 21-day holiday break. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Los Blancos hoped to push their season start to Matchday two, citing a lack of adequate training time. However, RFEF’s sole referee for professional competitions, Jose Alberto Pelaez, ruled that the reasons provided didn’t meet the "force majeure" criteria. He noted that the Club World Cup was already scheduled and not an unforeseen event, and Madrid were never left with fewer than 11 available players.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Xabi Alonso’s squad is set to resume training on August 4, but with the league opener on August 19, the club claimed they wouldn’t get the minimum three-week preparation window. Despite this, the judge emphasised that the three-week prep is not guaranteed under any collective agreement and that Madrid still had a full squad of 23 players. The appeal was dismissed, and the match will proceed as scheduled at Santiago Bernabeu.</p>

TELL ME MORE...

<p>Los Blancos now have 48 hours to submit an appeal to the National Appellate Committee. If that fails, the club can escalate the matter to the Spanish Court of Arbitration for Sport (CASA), however the chances of success remain slim based on the current ruling.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Real Madrid rejected! Spanish FA turn down request to delay La Liga opener despite short break after Club World Cup | Goal.com

Real Madrid’s plea to delay their La Liga opener was denied by the RFEF, forcing the club to play Osasuna despite minimal preseason preparation.

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