Temperatures rise over Spanish football scheduling

Playing matches in daytime heat adds to tensions

Spanish football has another spat on its hands. The national football federation took issue with the Spanish league over its management strategy for the second time in a week when it criticised the scheduling of games during what it considered the excessive heat of daytime.

The federation run by Luis Rubiales said it would try to take control of match scheduling if La Liga continues to hold matches in daytime heat.

The federation issued a statement to express its “displeasure that matches are still being played each weekend under temperatures that are over 30C with the problems that cause athletes and fans”.

Sevilla versus Levante started at noon local time on Sunday, with Villarreal hosting Valencia at 4.15pm. Both matches featured water breaks in each half due to the high temperatures.

Villarreal coach Javier Calleja complained about the heat, and the time of the match.

“We have to find a better time (to play),” Calleja said after the 0-0 draw. “It was very hot today and it was not the best time. Today we all suffered, above all the players.”