La Liga under pressure to reschedule Real Madrid's opening La Liga game as players' union appeal to judge

According to AS, La Liga is under renewed pressure to postpone Madrid’s 2025-26 season opener against Osasuna after the AFE (Spanish Footballers' Association) and the club formally appealed to the Sole Competition Judge. Both parties argue that Madrid players are at risk due to insufficient rest and preparation time following their participation in the final phase of the Club World Cup. La Liga, however, opposes the delay, claiming that all legal vacation requirements have been met.

Madrid’s players will only receive the minimum three-week vacation period outlined in their collective agreement, without the standard three-week preseason. The AFE contends this violates Spain’s Workers' Statute and Sports Law regarding occupational safety. While La Liga maintains that no formal commitment was made to delay the match, both AFE and Real Madrid cite a lack of flexibility that could jeopardise player health after a star player cuts their holiday short. Osasuna, meanwhile, has shown no objection to a rescheduling.

AFE first raised this issue with La Liga in March 2025 and reiterated on May 16 that they would not sign the agreement unless there was a provision for preseason rest. The union argues that without at least three weeks of preseason, players are at risk of injury.

The decision now lies with the Sole Competition Judge, who will rule on whether the opening matchday should be postponed to allow Madrid’s squad more rest. If the appeal is upheld, La Liga may be forced to adjust its calendar before the 2025-26 campaign begins.