Real Madrid's Club World Cup semi-final preparation disrupted by flight delay
Coach Xabi Alonso's press conference and the mixed zone interview session with players Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde and Jacobo Ramón were initially scheduled for 7:30 and 7:45 pm ET respectively, at MetLife Stadium.
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However, Madrid's scheduled 4 pm flight from the team's Miami base was delayed an hour by adverse weather conditions. FIFA initially delayed Alonso's press conference to 8:15 pm and made plans to scrap the mixed zone. The Athletic learned from a Madrid source at 7:28 pm that the team was still in mid-air and then, six minutes later, FIFA announced the cancellation of all Madrid press activities for the day. Madrid touched down safely at 8:52 pm.
'He's not coming?! Really?!' PSG coach Luis Enrique said, when informed by The Athletic that Alonso wouldn't do his press conference. 'It doesn't change anything to me, I didn't know about the flight, I hope they can arrive normally.'
Madrid had initially planned to stay in New York ahead of the semifinal after defeating Borussia Dortmund in last weekend's quarterfinal. However, the club changed plans during the tournament. After investing heavily in their base in Palm Beach, Fla., the decision was made to return there while preparing for the final stages of the competition.
The required attendance of media activities is covered under the Club World Cup's list of regulations, with section 4.3 (e) stating the clubs are responsible for 'attending all media conferences and other media activities organised by FIFA in accordance with the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations, as well as with any other FIFA circular letters, guidelines, directives and/or decisions.'
Section 4.5 adds: 'All participating clubs undertake to ensure that their players and officials attend and participate in all official activities and events including, without limitation, any Team Arrival Meeting, Match Coordination Meeting, press conference and other media and marketing activities in accordance with the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations.'
FIFA had not responded to a request for comment from The Athletic by the time of publication, but a Real Madrid spokesperson said the club was not anticipating any fine or discipline for missing out on its obligation.
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