La Liga confirms appeal against new date for Clasico

AFP

October 24, 2019

MADRID: Spanish football league La Liga said on Thursday that it will appeal the decision to play Saturday´s postponed Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid on December 18.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced the new date on Wednesday after the two clubs came to an agreement following the postponement of the original fixture at Camp Nou due to violent, pro-independence protests in Catalonia.

La Liga proposed the postponement last week but want the match to be rescheduled for December 4.

"La Liga does not share the Competition Committee´s decision to set December 18 as the date of the Clasico match and will appeal," La Liga said in a statement on Thursday.

Listing its reasons for opposing December 18, La Liga said the rules state postponed games should be played at the earliest possible opportunity, which is December 4, and that clubs have no power to decide dates of matches.

La Liga added that it holds the responsibility for setting dates due to broadcasting considerations and that December 18 also clashes with the Copa del Rey.

The appeal will be lodged in the common courts and to the Spanish government´s Sports Council (CSD).

"The decision of the Competition Committee has taken place after analysing in recent days the proposals of both clubs, who were invited to agree a date and decided on December 18," the RFEF said on Wednesday.

"It has also analysed a report from the RFEF Competitions Area as well as numerous reports submitted by La Liga, which are not binding."

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said on Tuesday he hoped the two clubs would not be drawn into a political "war" between La Liga and the RFEF, who have clashed on various issues in recent years.

"I would like common sense to prevail," Valverde said "I would like there to be a date settled and for the internal wars between La Liga and the RFEF not to involve us."

Barcelona moved top of La Liga last weekend, one point ahead of Real Madrid.