Real Madrid Faces New Challenges Ahead of Club World Cup Semi-Final vs PSG

Real Madrid, who have spent a title-less season in Spain and the European stage, can find solace by becoming the champion of the FIFA Club World Cup. However, they will have to fight against European champions PSG in another final (semi-final). The two teams will face each other in the Club World Cup semi-final today (Wednesday) at 1 am. Before that, Los Blancos had to face a setback. Reals flight did not arrive on time due to adverse weather.

For the same reason, Real Madrid coach Xavi Alonso could not appear at the pre-match press conference against PSG. PSG and Real will fight at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. For which, the plane carrying Real Madrid officials was caught in a storm on its way from Miami to New York. Knowing that their arrival might be delayed, Alonsos press conference was postponed to 8.15 pm local time. But in the end, Reals fleet landed safely at 8.52 pm. In the meantime, FIFA canceled their press conference.

According to the media outlet The Athletic, in addition to Reals press conference, the schedule for speaking in the mixed zone was between 7.30 pm and 7.45 pm. In addition to coach Alonso, Real goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde and Jacob Ramon were supposed to be there. But knowing that they would be late, the mixed zone phase was canceled. Later, at 7:28 a.m.,FIFA announced the cancellation of Reals press conference for the day, 6 minutes after learning that they were in mid-air.

Real coach Alonsos absence prompted PSG coach Luis Enrique to ask, He hasnt arrived yet? Really? Of course, it doesnt seem like a problem to me. I didnt know about the problem with their flight. I hope they arrive safely. Real had earlier secured a place in the semi-finals by defeating Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals. They had planned to stay in New York. Later, they changed that and spent time in Palm Beach, Florida. Los Blancos then focused on preparing for the rest of the tournament.

Meanwhile, FIFA rules require that teams attend pre-match press conferences. Article 4.3 (e) of the Club World Cup regulations states that teams must participate in FIFA-organized press conferences and other events in accordance with the FIFA Media and Marketing Policy, unless FIFA issues a new letter, policy, decision or directive. Article 4.5 also emphasizes that each team must participate in all official FIFA events. As a result, Real Madrids unexpected absence has raised concerns about sanctions!

The Athletic contacted FIFA for comment, but did not receive a response. A Real Madrid spokesperson later said that Real Madrid would not face any fines or disciplinary action if they missed the press conference due to unavoidable circumstances.