FC Barcelona Files Complaint Over Scheduling Dispute with Spanish Football Authorities

BARCELONA, Spain — FC Barcelona issued an official statement on April 19, 2025, expressing dissatisfaction with the match scheduling criteria set by LaLiga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The club’s leadership asserts that the current scheduling practices do not adequately account for teams competing in multiple tournaments at the season’s end.

In a statement released on their official channels, FC Barcelona voiced strong support for their head coach, who previously raised concerns regarding the lack of consideration for players’ welfare due to congested match schedules. The club emphasized their commitment to protecting their interests while advocating for a more rational sports calendar.

The statement read, “We believe, as our coach expressed on Friday, that the regulatory bodies of Spanish football should be more considerate of teams like ours, which participate in the three competitions in the final stretch of the season. This is not a new problem.” The club has indicated they will file a formal complaint with regulatory bodies to address these scheduling issues to mitigate the impact on players, described as “the true stars of football.”

Following recent matches, Barcelona’s complaints have grown louder, particularly about the demanding schedule that has players juggling LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League. Comparatively, clubs in other leagues like the Premier League and Bundesliga receive more favorable treatment, which has led to criticism from the Catalan club.

Barcelona’s management noted the increasing strain on players during this crucial time of the season, stating, “Throughout the season, we have expressed our disagreement regarding the structuring of calendars and match schedules, emphasizing the little rest provided for our players.” They pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely and will update fans if LaLiga or the RFEF provides a response to their complaint.

The burgeoning injury list, coupled with the high stakes in LaLiga and the Champions League, adds urgency to the club’s situation. Missing players could drastically affect performance in key upcoming matches, including a crucial Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund and a Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Real Madrid.

As the club navigates these challenges, supporters are keenly aware of Barcelona’s ongoing commitment to excellence both on and off the field, insisting that player welfare and sustainable scheduling are prime considerations for the future of football in Spain.