Real Madrid Request LaLiga to Postpone Season Opener Due to Club World Cup Commitments

Real Madrid have officially requested LaLiga to postpone their opening fixture of the 2025/26 season against Osasuna, citing insufficient time to recover and prepare due to their participation in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. The Spanish giants are currently focused on their global campaign and believe the demanding schedule significantly affects their ability to return in time for domestic action. With players heavily involved in high-intensity matches and travel, the club is prioritizing player welfare and fair preparation time.

The Club World Cup, which features top teams from every continent, is being held just weeks before the LaLiga season kicks off. Real Madrid, representing Europe as the reigning Champions League winners, have reached the latter stages of the tournament. The club’s hierarchy argues that asking their squad to return immediately after the global competition, without a recovery window or pre-season camp, is not only unreasonable but potentially harmful to performance and player health.

Los Blancos have submitted a formal complaint to LaLiga officials, urging them to show flexibility by either rescheduling the fixture or pushing it further into the calendar. Sources close to the club indicate that the coaching staff is concerned about physical fatigue, especially for players who have already played full seasons with both club and country. With the risk of injuries and burnout running high, Real Madrid believe a short rest period would be inadequate and even counterproductive to both their domestic and international campaigns.

From the league’s perspective, accommodating such a request could set a precedent, as other Spanish teams involved in international tournaments may seek similar treatment in the future. However, LaLiga also understands the unique status and expectations tied to Real Madrid, especially given the club’s responsibility of representing Spanish football on the world stage. This ongoing tension highlights the growing calendar congestion faced by elite clubs competing across multiple tournaments.

As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on LaLiga’s response. Will they prioritize fairness and physical recovery, or stick to the traditional fixture list? Real Madrid’s demand is more than just a scheduling issue; it reflects a broader conversation in modern football about balancing competitiveness with player welfare in an ever-expanding football calendar.