Football
Real Madrid Threaten to Refuse Playing La Liga Matches
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insists his team will refuse to play future La Liga matches unless his players are given a minimum 72 hours’ rest between fixtures. The Italian boss is fuming that his players were forced to play Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday (6:30pm local time), despite facing Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday (9pm local time).
Ancelotti’s men played 120 minutes against Atletico, plus a penalty shootout, as they secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals following a controversial victory at the home of their neighbours. Real Madrid won the shootout after Atletico forward Julian Alvarez had a penalty disallowed for an alleged double touch of the ball.

Los Blancos were back in action on Saturday and secured a narrow 2-1 victory away at Villarreal thanks to a first-half brace from Ballon d’Or contender Kylian Mbappe. Juan Foyth opened the scoring for the Yellow Submarine in the seventh minute, but Mbappe turned the game on its head with a six-minute brace midway through the first half.
The result means Real Madrid open up a three-point gap between themselves and second-placed Barcelona at the top of La Liga. However, Barca have two games in hand over the reigning European champions and will join their fierce rivals on 60 points if they defeat Atletico on Sunday evening.
| La Liga Standings (March 16) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Club | Games | Points |
| 1. | Real Madrid | 28 | 60 |
| 2. | Barcelona | 26 | 57 |
| 3. | Atletico Madrid | 27 | 56 |
Ancelotti Says Real Madrid Will Refuse to Play Matches
Real Madrid want minimum 72 hours’ rest between games

Ancelotti complained about the congested calendar on Friday, blaming “television rights and money”, while adding “the last thing on anyone’s mind is the players’ recovery.” Real Madrid’s TV channel, meanwhile, stated ahead of the game against Villarreal: “Real Madrid will ask for FIFA’s support … so that this never happens again.”
Per ESPN, Ancelotti confirmed the club’s stance to reporters following Saturday’s game at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica. The revered Italian coach, who is currently ranked as the world’s second-best manager, said:
“I think today is the last time that we’ll play a game before 72 hours. We won’t do it again, without 72 hours of rest. We asked La Liga to change the time of the game twice, and they didn’t do anything. But this is the last time.”
Asked if his time will show up to a future game if scheduled without 72 hours rest, Ancelotti responded: “No, of course not.” On the victory over Villarreal, he added: “I’m very proud of the players, it was a tricky game. And the opponent plays very well. We hung on, above all in the second half. The team was exhausted but that’s normal. It’s a victory that says a lot about this team and the resources in this squad.”
🚨 Real Madrid will never play a match again without at least 72 hours of rest, as recommended by FIFA. Real Madrid will not allow it again. @AlvarodelaLama [RMTV] pic.twitter.com/SAtTVQIytU — Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 15, 2025
FIFA recommend a minimum of 72 hours’ rest between fixtures, in order to protect players’ health. However, there’s no law in place for leagues to stick to this guidance, with competition organisers ultimately responsible for timings. La Liga are responsible for determining kick-off times for league fixtures in Spain’s top tier but now find themselves under increased pressure from Real Madrid to ensure they give teams sufficient rest between matches in future.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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