Real Madrid Confidencial AFE Sides With Real Madrid, Harsh Statement Against Javier Tebas and LaLiga
Real Madrid won't play a match if they have less than 72 hours of rest between dates
The controversy continues over the issue of schedules and Real Madrid. The Spanish Footballers Association has published a statement in response to the remarks made by Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of the Madrid team. The Italian warned that he might refuse to play an upcoming match if a minimum rest period of 72 hours is not guaranteed.
"We have to thank these players for their tremendous effort since January 3. Today is the last time we're going to play a match without 72 hours of rest. We asked the League to change it twice and nothing has happened", commented Carlo Ancelotti at the press conference.
AFE's Response to Real Madrid
"The Spanish Footballers Association (AFE) considers it essential that players have at least 72 hours of rest between matches", the statement begins.
"All of this to preserve their health, both physically and mentally. A criterion also set by the recommendations of FIFPRO (International Federation of Professional Footballers Associations)", it continues.
"As AFE agreed in 2020, both with the RFEF and LALIGA, following the health crisis, the minimum interval between matches would be 72 hours. Given the increased risk of injury and the deterioration from post-game fatigue that footballers suffer, for AFE it has always been non-negotiable. Players participating in two matches a week must have a recovery time of between 72 and 96 hours", they state.
On the other hand, AFE also highlights another case where the footballers' schedule in LaLiga is not respected. "In this round, the footballers of Real Sociedad, Athletic Club, and Real Betis will also not have the necessary rest between their European competition commitments and the LaLiga matches", they explain.
"A circumstance, repeated over time, that generates great concern for AFE due to the consequences it may have for the players", the statement concludes.
Tight schedules represent an obstacle to carrying out a protest, especially when only one-third of the season remains. Meanwhile, LaLiga states that Real Madrid never requested the change of the match against Villarreal CF.
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