Jaén Paraíso Interior Voices Frustration with RFEF Over Scheduling
Tensions have escalated between Jaén Paraíso Interior and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Following the February resignation of General Director Nicolás Sabariego from the National Football Committee amid criticism of referees and competition organization, head coach Dani Rodríguez has now expressed his own frustrations with the federation.
Rodríguez, who recently extended his contract until 2028, condemned what he called “disrespect” toward the club’s fans. He lamented that futsal in Spain appears to be “drifting aimlessly” rather than improving. Despite having 5,600 subscribers—reportedly the highest number among European clubs—Jaén Paraíso Interior feels targeted by National Football Committee leadership. Even after the recent departures of Antonio García Plata and Javier Lorente.
The immediate source of contention revolves around scheduling for the twenty-second league day, occurring just before the Spanish Cup in Murcia. Rodríguez described the scheduling as “a heavy joke,” noting his team had already completed seven matches in a 20-day period earlier this season.
scheduling controversy
The scheduling controversy centers on a match against Osasuna Magna. Initially set for Saturday, March 15 at 8:00 PM in communications sent December 26 and January 3, the RFEF abruptly informed both clubs on January 13 that the match would instead take place Sunday, March 16 at 6:00 PM. This change came shortly before the Cup quarterfinal draw on January 29. Which paired Jaén with first-place Movistar Inter for a match scheduled for March 20.
Rodríguez pointed out the competitive disadvantage. While Jaén must play on Sunday, their Cup opponent Movistar Inter will play on Saturday at 1:00 PM—giving them nearly a day and a half more recovery time. The coach noted that all other Cup-qualifying teams play on Saturday, with only non-qualifying teams typically scheduled for Sunday.
Though the RFEF cited “television issues” for the change, Rodríguez questioned this explanation, suggesting the federation’s actions stemmed from either “bad faith or incompetence.” He emphasized that despite these challenges, his team would approach the Spanish Cup with their customary enthusiasm. Though he expressed concern about “many small anomalous things” that “cloud” Spanish futsal.
this dispute
This dispute is not isolated. On January 19, Jimbee Cartagena’s coach Eduardo Sao Thiago also voiced strong protests against the federation. Discontent with José Miguel Monje’s leadership of the National Committee became evident during a collective rebellion at the Spanish Super Cup in Cartagena.
RFEF President Rafael Louzán, aware of the crisis in Spanish futsal, has taken measures. Including removing Pedro Galán and appointing Álvaro Cid Bragado to head the Referees Commission. Louzán, elected December 16, 2024, missed the Spanish Super Cup final in Cartagena due to a diplomatic trip to Uruguay and Argentina related to 2030 World Cup preparations, though he did attend the Women’s Spanish Super Cup in Móstoles on February 2.
Reports indicate that Jaén Paraíso Interior fan groups are planning protests against RFEF management at the upcoming Spanish Cup in Murcia, with other club supporters potentially joining.
The Murcia Spanish Cup has already faced multiple controversies, including disputes over venue selection, scheduling conflicts with basketball events that forced calendar changes, and ticket distribution issues that prompted RFEF intervention. These problems highlight the organizational challenges facing Spanish futsal amid declining viewership and visibility.
