Real Madrid in conflict with La Liga

Real Madrid conflict with La Liga. Photo: Reuters .

According to AS , AFE and Real Madrid have filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports , asserting that coach Xabi Alonso and his team face health risks due to not having enough time to rest and prepare for the 2025/26 season.

Meanwhile, La Liga still maintains its stance and refuses to postpone "Los Blancos" opening match against Osasuna on August 20.

Real Madrid players only have about 3 weeks of rest after completing the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US. The team also does not have a pre-season training period like other clubs. Some Real players had to cut short their summer vacation to join the team on schedule.

AFE said the decision by La Liga organizers violated Spanish labor and sports laws. AFE and Real Madrid both pointed to the inflexibility of the league's leaders as damaging the physical and mental health of players. Real's rivals Osasuna did not object to the proposed schedule change.

The final decision lies with the Sports Tribunal, with La Liga 2025/26 set to kick off on August 16. If the appeal is approved, La Liga will have to adjust the match schedule for Real early.