Real Madrid enter 2025 battling various conflicts

As 2024 draws to a close and 2025 begins, Real Madrid find themselves on an upward trajectory both on and off the field. The team have already surpassed Barcelona in LaLiga, despite having played one fewer match, with Atlético Madrid emerging as the primary challengers for the title.

In the Champions League, a crucial victory in Bergamo has significantly clarified their qualification scenario, though it appears they may not avoid the play-off round.

On the institutional front, Real Madrid enter the new year with some unresolved conflicts, while others are moving toward resolution or at least a closer alignment of positions.

Super League and UEFA relationship

The foremost conflict remains with UEFA over the Super League project. A22, the company spearheading the initiative, recently submitted the proposal for a new format featuring four divisions and 96 teams to UEFA and FIFA. While no official response has been received, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG president and head of the European Club Association (ECA), has already criticised the idea. Al-Khelaifi, an ally of UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, dismissed A22 as a consultancy working for Real Madrid, labeling the project as “disruptive” and serving the interests of a few separatist clubs.

LaLiga, aligned with UEFA in opposing the Super League, argues that the project would diminish the significance of national leagues. This alignment has often seen La Liga president Javier Tebas appearing alongside Al-Khelaifi, despite Tebas’s consistent criticism of state-owned clubs that distort the football economy. Tebas acknowledges the contradiction in his stance but remains an adversary of Real Madrid, with numerous lawsuits and frequent clashes between the two.

SEE ALSO: Real Madrid’s winter transfer plans revealed

Ballon d’Or and UEFA tensions

Another point of contention with UEFA emerged during the Ballon d’Or. Despite Vinícius Júnior being the frontrunner, the award was given to Spain’s Rodri, sparking outrage within Real Madrid. The club boycotted the gala on the day, pulling out approximately 50 scheduled attendees. While Real Madrid stopped short of directly accusing the Ballon d’Or of being rigged, they emphasised UEFA’s involvement in the event as a factor that undermined its impartiality, particularly given the ongoing Super League dispute.

Improved relations with FIFA

In contrast, relations with FIFA are significantly more cordial. While Real Madrid share concerns about FIFA’s role in the overloaded football calendar, personal ties are stronger, as evidenced during the Intercontinental Cup in Doha and The Best awards gala. This time, Vinícius Júnior received the accolade he was expected to win, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino highlighting the inclusive voting process, a subtle jab at the Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid capitalised on the situation, attending FIFA’s gala with both Vinícius and manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite it being just before a major final.

Spanish Federation and refereeing

Domestically, Real Madrid’s relationship with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) remains mixed. The election of Rafael Louzán as RFEF president has generated uncertainty. While Louzán has extended an olive branch to Florentino Pérez, praising his leadership and Real Madrid’s global influence, his close ties to La Liga’s Tebas have raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Madrid’s decision to join the Negreira Case as a private prosecution has strained relations with Barcelona, despite the clubs often aligning on broader issues.

Refereeing remains a contentious issue. Real Madrid TV frequently publishes critical reports on refereeing decisions, leading to friction with officials who view these as attempts to exert pressure. Louzán appears intent on improving relations with Real Madrid and may prioritize easing tensions around refereeing criticism.

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