Ancelotti Slams La Liga Scheduling as Real Madrid Seek FIFA Protection
- Real Madrid had a demanding fixture schedule, playing a tough match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night
- Just a few days later, Los Blancos were back on the pitch for another challenging clash against Villarreal on Saturday evening
- Manager Carlo Ancelotti was visibly frustrated with La Liga’s scheduling, expressing his discontent over the lack of recovery time for his squad
Carlo Ancelotti has voiced his frustration with La Liga’s scheduling, warning that Real Madrid are being subjected to unfair treatment and have even approached FIFA for protection.
Madrid’s Champions League round-of-16 clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night stretched into extra time and penalties, with the match ending close to midnight.
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Despite the exhausting encounter, Los Blancos were scheduled to play their next league fixture against Villarreal just 66 hours later, on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m.
FIFA recommends a minimum of 72 hours between matches to allow players sufficient recovery time, but scheduling decisions are ultimately left to domestic leagues. Madrid reportedly requested a later kick-off on Sunday to accommodate proper rest, but their appeals were ignored.
Ancelotti has criticised the decision, suggesting that financial interests and broadcasting rights are prioritized over player welfare.
He believes the lack of consideration for recovery time puts his squad at a disadvantage and risks player fatigue or injury.
With tensions rising, Real Madrid have taken the issue to FIFA, seeking intervention against what they perceive as unfair treatment in the Spanish top flight.
"I think today is the last time that we'll play a game before 72 hours," he said. "We won't do it again, without 72 hours of rest. We asked LaLiga to change the time of the game twice, and they didn't do anything. But this is the last time. I don't understand it. The minimum is 72 hours, money, television rights are prioritised, not the players' recovery. Money is prioritised, not the players' rest."
Real Madrid beat Villarreal
Despite the physical demands on the squad, Real Madrid fought through fatigue to claim a 2-1 victory over Villarreal, with Kylian Mbappe netting both goals.
The win temporarily widened their lead at the top of La Liga, putting them three points ahead of Barcelona, who still have two games in hand.
Following the match, Real Madrid’s official media channel strongly criticized La Liga’s scheduling, revealing that the club has sought FIFA’s intervention to prevent similar treatment in the future.
In a direct attack on La Liga president Javier Tebas, the statement read:
"The abuse of the Tebas League will not be allowed," accusing the league of prioritising financial interests over player welfare.
What's next for Real Madrid?
Elite clubs and players have long voiced concerns about fixture congestion, especially as tournaments continue to expand.
The challenge will intensify in the 2024-25 season with the introduction of the newly extended FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place from June 15 to July 13.
With 32 teams participating in the revamped format, the tournament will add even more strain to an already overloaded football calendar.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
