RFEF Warns Real Madrid Over Kickoff Delays in Disciplinary Ruling
The Sept. 23 ruling also suspended Dean Huijsen and two members of the Madrid clubs’ technical staffs.
MADRID — Real Madrid has been formally warned by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to meet official match schedules, including kickoff times and returns to the pitch after halftime. The federation said the club must take necessary measures to prevent delays and could face escalating penalties if it fails to comply.
The warning appeared in a comprehensive disciplinary ruling published on Sept. 23, covering infractions from the latest round of domestic action, including the highly charged Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The committee stated: “Procede recordar al Real Madrid CF la obligación que viene impuesta a los equipos respecto al estricto cumplimiento del horario oficial establecido para el inicio de los encuentros, en el desarrollo de sus dos tiempos, requiriéndose que extreme su diligencia, adoptando las medidas necesarias para su debido cumplimiento en los partidos que dispute.”
In translation, the committee reminded Real Madrid of its obligation to strictly follow established schedules for the start of both halves, demanding “extreme diligence” and necessary internal measures to prevent future delays. The club remains under formal administrative watch to ensure its players leave the dressing rooms in line with the federation’s broadcast-mandated countdowns.
Kickoff punctuality is closely policed in elite European football because of rigid global television broadcast windows. Under La Liga’s broadcasting regulations, delayed starts can disrupt television programming slots and create friction between the league, its international media partners and the federation. The RFEF disciplinary code allows progressive financial penalties for clubs that repeatedly fail to field their teams on time; delays of even two to three minutes can affect multi-million-dollar advertising schedules worldwide.
The ruling also imposed suspensions on staff from both Madrid clubs. Ignacio Pablo Vercellone, Atlético Madrid’s long-serving goalkeeping coach and a key member of manager Diego Simeone’s backroom staff, received a one-match ban. Real Madrid staff member Pedro Luis Ferreira was given the same suspension.
Real Madrid center-back Dean Huijsen was handed a one-match domestic suspension after a red-card incident in the derby. He was sent off following a defensive action inside his own penalty area involving Atlético Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone. Technical officials upheld the decision after a detailed review of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) audio, leaving Real Madrid to adjust its defense for its next domestic fixture.
Atlético manager Diego Pablo Simeone was cautioned for making “observations, gestures, or objections” toward the refereeing team. Similar warnings for dissent and unsporting behavior were issued to other high-profile players in the round’s disciplinary docket, including Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, who was penalized for gestures directed at officials.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, an England international, was cautioned for dangerous play. Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero also received a caution for a dangerous play infraction, while Almería defender Marc Pubill was sanctioned for rules violations categorized under general infringements of the Laws of the Game.
