Players’ union sides with Real Madrid exposing La Liga’s failure to protect athlete welfare | OneFootball

The ongoing dispute between Real Madrid and La Liga over match scheduling has taken a new turn, with the main Spanish football players’ union, AFE, stepping in to voice its concerns.

On Saturday night, AFE released an official statement addressing the issue, highlighting the importance of adequate rest periods for players.

The controversy arose after Real Madrid expressed its dissatisfaction with having less than 72 hours of rest between their Champions League fixture and the La Liga match against Villarreal.

In response, La Liga defended its scheduling, stating that it has adhered to the informal rule of allowing at least 48 hours of rest, as there is no officially regulated minimum.

Real Madrid find unexpected ally

Real Madrid players were tired. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

AFE, however, strongly disagrees with this stance, arguing that a break of only 48 hours is not sufficient for players to recover.

The union firmly believes that professional footballers should be granted a minimum rest period of 72 to 96 hours between matches to ensure their physical and mental well-being. T

“The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) considers it essential that players have at least 72 hours of rest between matches to preserve their health, both physically and mentally.

“This criterion is also set by the recommendations of FIFPRO,” they said in a statement.

Asking for more rest

AFE further recalled an agreement made in 2020 between the union, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and La Liga following the global health crisis.

Despite the odds, Real Madrid won against Villarreal. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

This agreement established that players should have at least 72 hours of rest between matches to reduce the risk of injuries and the physical strain caused by back-to-back games.

“As agreed by AFE in 2020, both with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LA LIGA, following the health crisis, the minimum interval between matches to preserve the health of players would be 72 hours.

“Given the increased risk of injury and the deterioration suffered by footballers due to post-game fatigue, it has always been non-negotiable for AFE that players who participate in two matches a week have a recovery time of between 72 and 96 hours,” they added.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether LaLiga will address these concerns and implement changes to ensure fairer scheduling practices.

For now, AFE remains steadfast in its demand for better player protection and a proper rest period that aligns with international standards.