Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso looks dejected after a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

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La Liga President Javier Tebas Slams Real Madrid for Season Delay Request

Real Madrid's long season began in August last year and spanned 68 matches across all competitions.

Real Madrid’s request to postpone their La Liga 2025-26 season opener has been firmly rejected by La Liga president Javier Tebas. The Spanish giants were eliminated from the Club World Cup earlier this week as they suffered a heavy 4-0 semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey. Their extended 2024-25 season officially come to a close after the match.

Real Madrid’s season began in August last year and spanned 68 matches across all competitions. Los Blancos played 38 matches in La Liga, 14 in the Champions League, six each in the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup, two in the Spanish Super Cup, and one each in the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

The defeat against PSG also marked veteran midfielder Luka Modric’s last match at Real Madrid. With only 41 days between their Club World Cup exit and their La Liga opener against Osasuna on August 19, Real Madrid had hoped to gain an additional day of recovery and preparation time. But Tebas was quick to shoot down the idea.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, La Liga president Javier Tebas president took a jibe at Real Madrid. Explaining the reasoning behind the decision, Tebas said,

“It is a decision that does not correspond to La Liga, but we have already made it clear that it must not be changed. PSG does not change the date for their first match in Ligue 1, Chelsea neither in the Premier League. Real Madrid wanted to have 21 days of preparation, they will have 20. I don’t think they will lose the game they are going to have with Osasuna because of one day.”

🚨🗣️ Javier Tebas (La Liga president): "I don't see PSG changing the Ligue 1 structure. Chelsea don't change the Premier League… Now Real Madrid are demanding at least 21 days of pre-season instead of the scheduled 20. I don't think a day less will make them lose vs Osasuna." pic.twitter.com/ifs6tzrKbd
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) July 12, 2025

Player Health Is on the Line: Courtois

Earlier, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois didn’t hold back in his response after La Liga rejected Real Madrid’s request to postpone their La Liga 2025-26 season opener. Courtois emphasized that the physical toll of 68 competitive matches should not be dismissed lightly and noted the contrast in scheduling flexibility seen in other leagues.

The veteran shot-stopper blasted Javier Tebas over the decision as he said,

“It’s always the same with La Liga. I haven’t seen these kinds of comments from a president in Italy, England, or even the NBA or NFL. It’s fine if Tebas doesn’t like the Club World Cup, but it exists. It’s part of the FIFA calendar. We’re competing here, and it seems this gentleman wants to be the center of attention. We’re risking the players’ health here.”

🚨🗣️ Thibaut Courtois: "I've never seen any league president talk like Javier Tebas. He always wants to be the protagonist. He doesn't want the Club World Cup to exist? Well it does, so there we go!" pic.twitter.com/dcdGbcelRe
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) July 9, 2025

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Javier Tebas

La Liga

La Liga 2025-26

Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.