Since Saturday, Real Madrid has officially launched a rebellion against Javier Tebas’ LaLiga over the 72-hour rest period between matches required by FIFA. In this conflict, Gianni Infantino’s organisation has taken a stand.
“This is the last time we play a match with less than 72 hours of rest, we will never do it again. We asked the league twice to change the schedule, and nothing happened, but this is the last time,” complained Carlo Ancelotti in a press conference after the 2-1 victory away at Villarreal. With players completely exhausted at the end of this Matchday 28 fixture in LaLiga, the Italian coach voiced his frustration just moments after Real Madrid’s official announcement that they would refuse to play any LaLiga match that does not comply with FIFA’s regulations.
FIFA backs Real Madrid
According to its regulations, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association mandates that players must have at least three days or 72 hours of rest between matches, a rule that Javier Tebas’ LaLiga has not respected. Indeed, after the Champions League Round of 16 clash between Atlético and Real, the Spanish league authorities scheduled the Villarreal fixture for 5 PM, allowing only 66 hours of rest. While Los Blancos ultimately managed to secure a victory against the Yellow Submarine thanks to a brace from Mbappé, things could have turned sour.
In this situation, and in response to Real Madrid’s ultimatum to LaLiga officials, FIFA’s stance is now clear. According to reports from the Bernabéu, it is said that FIFA “agrees with us regarding the minimum rest period players require.” Given the strong relationship between Gianni Infantino and Florentino Pérez, discussions have already taken place, and Real Madrid has received the full backing of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
As a result, if the 72-hour rest period is violated again in LaLiga and a conflict arises because Real Madrid refuses to play, FIFA will have to step in, as it was the organisation itself that set this rest period as the minimum standard. With FIFA’s immediate response assuring that it will adhere to its regulations when resolving any disputes, Real Madrid remains confident in its stance.
A necessary change
Now, Los Blancos hope that LaLiga will take this issue into account moving forward by avoiding match scheduling that denies them a rest period they deem fair and essential for players to recover and perform at their best. This is particularly crucial in the current scenario, as the title race remains fiercely contested between Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, both of whom have had more time to rest and prepare.
It is worth noting that Real Madrid has had fewer days of rest than Atlético and Barça, who play on Sunday, simply because LaLiga refuses to schedule all three major clubs on the same day. As Thibaut Courtois pointed out after his standout performance against Villarreal, all top clubs can play on the same day if they have competed in the Champions League midweek. This scheduling adjustment would ensure proper rest for the players and prioritise their well-being.
LaLiga officials will need to amend the current regulations to ensure equal treatment for the country’s top three clubs, avoiding further controversies.
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