The union contacted the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), LaLiga and UEFA on Tuesday to request the suspension of national competitions and European matches held in Spain between November 3 and 9, inclusive. The request would affect all national divisions, from the First and Second Divisions to Primera Federación and the rest of the competitions organized by the RFEF.
The decision comes as a gesture of respect and solidarity following the tragic death of Jesús de Miguel, a CD Tenerife footballer, and is based on Articles 3 and 158.1 of the RFEF Competition Regulations, which provide for the possibility of suspending matches in exceptional circumstances. “The death of our teammate Jesús de Miguel is an irreparable blow to the entire football family,” AFE said in its statement, adding: “We understand that there are moments when football must stop.”
THE FIRST POSTPONEMENTS HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE
The RFEF has already announced the suspension of the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches scheduled for November 3, 4 and 5. The decision directly affected Utebo, who were due to face Sabadell this Wednesday in the first round of the cup competition. The Aragonese side had already seen this fixture postponed last week because of the terrible rail accident in Toledo.
AFE’s request now goes a step further, seeking to extend the stoppage to the league fixtures scheduled for next weekend. LaLiga is considering postponing First and Second Division matches, although it has yet to announce a final decision. Granada-Tenerife and Andorra-Mallorca, meanwhile, have already been postponed.
As a result, the Real Zaragoza-Huesca match remains pending the decision of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The fixture, one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the season for both fan bases, is still listed on the calendar for this Saturday, although AFE’s request raises the possibility that the Aragonese clash may have to be given a new date.
