La Liga does not change schedule, Real must pay the price for FIFA Club World Cup

On Tuesday (8 July), Real applied to postpone their 2025/26 La Liga opener against Osasuna, which was scheduled for 19 August, citing the club's late return from the 2025 Club World Cup. The following day, Los Blancos suffered a 4-0 defeat to PSG and were eliminated. This means they have just 40 days to prepare for their first match of the new season. Due to regulations from the Spanish Professional Footballers' Association (AFE), which allows players to take three consecutive weeks of vacation each year, coach Xabi Alonso has just 18 days left for pre-season.

Before participating in the 2025 Club World Cup, a source said that both Real and Atletico, along with their two captains, Dani Carvajal and Koke, had reached an agreement with La Liga, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and AFE to postpone the first matches of the season if the two teams reached the quarter-finals.

However, in the latest statement, La Liga President Javier Tebas said that the scheduled match will not be moved. "No other league has done the same. The Premier League did not prioritize Chelsea and Ligue 1 did not change the match schedule because of PSG," said Javier Tebas, "So I do not think La Liga has to adjust, especially when the match is only on one day."

As for the Premier League, Pep Guardiola revealed in October last year that the league would not allow Man City and Chelsea to postpone the 2025/26 season because of their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Despite reaching the final, The Blues will still play their opening match against Crystal Palace on August 17. A comment from the Premier League said that they did not postpone the matches to show everyone the challenges that domestic leagues and clubs face when FIFA creates an additional summer tournament.

Real, who have played 68 games in the 2024/25 season, are seeking the support of the Court of Arbitration. The parties involved, including Real, Osasuna, La Liga and AFE, have until August 16 to make their official position. A final decision is expected in about a week or two.