Tebas Stands Firm: Courtois' Plea for Post-Club World Cup Rest Denied
Published on Saturday, 12 July 2025 at 11:45 am
The perennial tug-of-war between player welfare and the relentless demands of the modern football calendar has once again flared, with Spanish league president Javier Tebas firmly rejecting a plea from Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian international had advocated for a delayed start to Real Madrid’s 2025-26 La Liga campaign, citing the need for adequate rest following the significantly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, set to conclude just weeks before the domestic season typically commences. Tebas's swift and unequivocal refusal underscores the league’s unwavering commitment to its established schedule, setting up a potentially grueling pre-season for one of Europe's most demanding clubs.
The heart of Courtois's concern stems directly from the new 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament designed to elevate global club competition but which simultaneously adds a substantial burden to an already packed schedule. Slated for June and July 2025 in the United States, the expanded format will see participating clubs, including Real Madrid as a frequent European champion, play numerous high-stakes matches across different time zones. For players who often transition directly from a demanding domestic and Champions League season into international tournaments, the Club World Cup offers little respite before demanding a swift return to club duties. This compressed timeline leaves a minimal window for crucial physical and mental recovery, raising legitimate fears of burnout and increased injury risk among elite athletes.
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Javier Tebasknown for his staunch defense of La Liga's commercial interests and calendar integrityhas consistently rebuffed attempts to alter the league scheduleeven for the benefit of its biggest clubs. His rejection of Courtois's request aligns perfectly with his long-held philosophy that
Source: hastingstribune
