In a new development, the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has proposed to reschedule the postponed Valencia-Real Madrid match to Friday, January 3, 2025.
This follows the previous setting by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) of January 2.
The match, originally part of matchday 12, was postponed due to the devastating effects of the DANA weather system in Valencia.
The AFE has communicated this new proposal to all relevant parties, including Real Madrid, Valencia, the RFEF, and LaLiga, arguing that playing on January 2 would not be in line with the current Collective Agreement.
How will it impact Real Madrid?
This rescheduling proposal has implications for Real Madrid’s calendar, particularly impacting their Copa del Rey commitments.
Ancelotti’s camp favours January 3 replay for Valencia-Real Madrid game (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The round of 32 in the Copa del Rey, where Real Madrid is slated to participate, is currently set for January 3, 4, and 5. If the league match moves to January 3, the Copa game would have to shift to January 6, coinciding with the Three Kings’ Day.
Moreover, Real Madrid’s participation in the Spanish Super Cup, with a semi-final match against Mallorca scheduled for January 9 in Jeddah, must also be accounted for.
However, the Real Madrid dressing room seems to favor this change, preferring to play on January 3 and extend their Christmas break.
This would involve rescheduling their Copa match to January 6 and delaying their trip to Saudi Arabia for the Super Cup until January 7.
The RFEF’s initial choice of January 2 was influenced by the upcoming Copa del Rey schedule, aiming to avoid further disruptions. However, the final decision still awaits official approval.