LaLiga calendar balances player health and competition stability, rejects AFE claims

LaLiga asserted that its proposed calendar for the upcoming Spanish professional football season successfully balances player health protection with competition stability. The league specifically rejected accusations from the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) that it prioritizes commercial interests over player well-being.

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From LaLiga, we were convinced that this was a viable calendar proposal not only for the stability of the competition but also for protecting the rights of all clubs and footballers.

"From LaLiga, we were convinced that this was a viable calendar proposal not only for the stability of the competition but also for protecting the rights of all clubs and footballers," the league stated. This comes after an arbitration ruling favored LaLiga's proposal to start the season on August 15-16, rather than the AFE's preferred August 23 start date. LaLiga highlighted that the schedule accommodates a World Cup that is 30% longer than previous tournaments, incorporating sufficient rest periods for players.

The league further emphasized that its plan includes adequate vacation and pre-season time. It also noted that the calendar allows for fewer mid-week matches throughout the 2026/27 season, which benefits player health and rest. LaLiga also stressed the importance of the second division, LaLiga Hypermotion, stating the calendar gives it the significance it deserves, as evidenced by recent playoff viewership figures.

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This calendar does not prioritize any commercial interest, but rather allows for a necessary balance between the protection of players' health and the stability of the competition, which is in the interest of all parties: clubs, players, and other actors in today's football.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas reiterated the organization's availability to provide players with any necessary information regarding the calendar and player health measures. The arbitration decision, which both LaLiga and AFE submitted to, confirmed LaLiga's calendar plan. The second division's season will conclude on June 6.

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The league is obliged to give LaLiga Hypermotion the importance and relevance it deserves, and this calendar proposal does so again, as in previous years.