Schedule Change for Spanish Futsal Cup in Murcia Sparks Controversy
The National Football Committee has made an unexpected modification to the Spanish Futsal Cup schedule, moving the tournament in Murcia one week earlier than originally planned. This change, which was first reported by Relay on November 24 and officially announced on Tuesday, has created significant challenges for both fans and clubs.
Return to Murcia After 24 Years
Murcia Sports Palace will host the 36th edition of the Spanish Cup, marking its return to the venue after a 24-year gap. The facility previously hosted the tournament in 1995, 1997, and 2001. The decision to relocate the event came after Andalusia withdrew its bid to host.
Political Influence and Scheduling Conflicts
The schedule modification appears to have been influenced by José Miguel Monje, President of the National Football Committee, who pushed for the tournament to be held in his home region. The change moved the event to March 27-30, creating an unexpected conflict with UCAM Murcia basketball team’s scheduled Endesa League match against Morabanc Andorra on March 29.
Impact on League Schedule
The calendar modification has forced several changes to the league schedule:
- Match Day 23, originally set for March 18, moves to March 29
- Match Day 24 shifts from March 22 to April 1
- Match Day 25 remains on April 5, returning to the original calendar
Communication Issues
The schedule changes have been marked by inconsistent communication:
- Second and Second Division B clubs received notification about the tournament date change via email
- First Division clubs learned of the modifications through a separate communication
- The regional government of Murcia had already announced these changes in early January
- The RFEF’s digital platforms still display the original tournament dates
Broader Context
This scheduling controversy follows a March 2023 agreement that designated cities in Andalusia and Murcia as hosts for six major futsal tournaments through 2027. However, at a recent Women’s Spanish Super Cup presentation in Móstoles, Monje indicated a shift in this approach, expressing interest in expanding tournament locations across Spain to promote the sport’s growth and visibility in new regions.
