Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has criticized La Liga and its president, Javier Tebas, for denying Real Madrid’s request to postpone their 2025-26 season opener.
Following a 4-0 Club World Cup semi-final loss to PSG, Courtois warned that the decision puts player health at risk.
Real Madrid had sought to move their August 19 match against Osasuna to October 29, a date when both clubs were free.
Despite apparent agreement from Osasuna, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE), La Liga denied the request, claiming no formal agreement existed.
Courtois expressed frustration over the minimal three-week break players would receive after an extended season.
“With La Liga it’s always the same,” he stated, stressing that player health is at stake.
He also suggested Tebas’s known opposition to the Club World Cup might be influencing the decision, impacting player rest and preparation.
