LaLiga: League mulls taking legal action over El Clasico postponement

Spain’s La Liga is considering taking legal action after the first 'El Clasico' of the season between Barcelona and Real Madrid was rescheduled for December 18, 2019 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. The match was originally scheduled to be played at the Camp Nou on Saturday, October 26, 2019. However, it was postponed because of violent pro-independence protests in Catalonia. 

Also Read | Liverpool Reportedly Interested In Signing Jadon Sancho From Dortmund

There has been unrest throughout Catalonia following the decision by Spain’s High Court to jail nine Catalan separatist leaders for their role in an illegal referendum. Protesters have taken to the streets throughout the region and there have been numerous clashes with the police.

Also Read | On This Day In 2011, Man City Scored 6 Past Man Utd At Old Trafford

LaLiga offered multiple alternatives

LaLiga had initially suggested swapping the two El Clasicos, with the first one to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, on the original date, while shifting the next Clasico to the Camp Nou in the second half of the season. LaLiga had also proposed December 4, 2019 as an alternative date for the match. However, both clubs had mutually agreed to December 18, 2019 after being asked to agree on a new date by RFEF's competitions committee, who approved the decision on Wednesday. The first round of the Copa del Rey is set to take place on the same date.

Also Read | Champions League: Toni Kroos Scores A Century Of UCL Appearances

LaLiga believes that the decision to change the date of the most important La Liga match cannot be left to the decision of the two participating clubs, adding that they have a responsibility to maximise income from television rights. Barcelona presently lead the LaLiga points table with six wins, one draw, two losses adding up to 19 points. Real Madrid trail Barcelona by one point only. They lost to RCD Mallorca on Matchday 9 to blow away their lead to the Catalans.

Also Read | Kylian Mbappe Breaks Messi's Champions League Record With A Hat-trick