Real Madrid has received a formal denial from LaLiga after requesting a postponement of their Matchday 1 fixture against Osasuna, originally scheduled for August 19. The league’s decision has sparked a new dispute over calendar management, just weeks after Madrid’s run to the Club World Cup semifinals.

Why Did Real Madrid Request a Postponement?

Through Emilio Butragueño, the club formally asked for the match to be rescheduled based on a verbal agreement reportedly made between LaLiga, AFE (the players' union), and the clubs. The agreement stated that if Real Madrid or Atlético de Madrid reached the final stages of the Club World Cup, they would be allowed to delay their first official match of the domestic season.

Madrid argued that the request was in line with the collective bargaining agreement, which guarantees players three weeks of vacation and three weeks of preseason before returning to official competition.

What Was LaLiga’s Response?

LaLiga rejected the request, stating there are no sufficient grounds to grant a postponement. Moreover, the league denied that any formal agreement existed with AFE or the clubs, directly contradicting what the players’ union has publicly stated.

Even if the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) were to approve the postponement, LaLiga warned it would still decide the new date for the match, reinforcing its authority over the league calendar.

What Is AFE’s Position?

According to AFE, an agreement was in place: the union agreed to allow Matchday 1 to begin as early as August 17 under the verbal condition that any team reaching the final stages of the Club World Cup could postpone their league opener to comply with the required rest period.

The calendar proposal was sent on May 16, and AFE claims LaLiga verbally approved the terms in a follow-up phone call.

Who Has the Final Say?

The ultimate decision will rest with the RFEF’s Single Competition Judge, who must determine whether the situation warrants a postponement. However, LaLiga has already stated it believes the conditions do not meet the legal requirements for a schedule change and sees no “force majeure” that justifies the delay.

For now, Real Madrid remains scheduled to kick off their LaLiga 2025/26 campaign against Osasuna on August 19, despite internal tensions and unresolved disputes.