Real Madrid's 4-0 loss to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on 9/7 leaves them with 41 days before their La Liga opener against Osasuna at the Bernabeu on 19/8.

Tebas stated that the decision not to reschedule was made by the Royal Spanish Football Federation and supported by La Liga. Regulations stipulate 21 days of rest and 21 days of training before the new season.

Kylian Mbappe on the ball during Real Madrid's 4-0 defeat to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA, on 9/7/2025. _Photo: AFP_

"They'll have 20 days off instead of 21. Plus, other leagues like the Premier League and Ligue 1 aren't changing their schedules," Tebas told the Associated Press on 12/7, referencing Chelsea and PSG's progression to the FIFA Club World Cup final. "You can’t change the schedule for rest, especially when it's just a single day.".

During the 2024-2025 season, Real Madrid played 68 official matches: 38 in La Liga, 14 in the Champions League, six in the Copa del Rey, six in the FIFA Club World Cup, two in the Spanish Super Cup, one in the UEFA Super Cup, and one in the Intercontinental Cup.

Today’s FIFA Club World Cup final marks PSG's 65th and Chelsea's 64th match of the season.

PSG's season begins on 15-17/8 away to Nantes in Ligue 1, while Chelsea starts at home against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on 17/8.

La Liga president Javier Tebas. _Photo: AFP_

Real Madrid previously requested La Liga to postpone their opening match against Osasuna. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois confirmed this after the loss to PSG, suggesting Tebas has an issue with the FIFA Club World Cup.

"La Liga is always the same. To hear those comments from a president is something I've never encountered in Italy, England, the NBA, or the NFL," Courtois said. "It's okay if Tebas doesn't like the FIFA Club World Cup, but it still exists and is part of the FIFA calendar. We're competing here, and it seems like Tebas just wants attention. I've never seen a president of another league make such statements. Players' health is being jeopardized."

Tebas has repeatedly criticized FIFA's changes to the Club World Cup format and called for a return to the previous structure. He argued that the substantial prize money, $125 million for the winner, creates financial competition issues for participating clubs. Tebas emphasized that postponing Real Madrid's first La Liga match of the 2025-2026 season, after they reached the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, would impact broadcasting rights.

Hong Duy (_via ESPN_)