Oviedo Seeks Legal Protection And Comes Across Obsolete Regulations

Controversy on the pitch: Oviedo seeks legal protection and encounters obsolete regulations

The Asturian club, after the postponement of its match against Rayo Vallecano, finds itself at a regulatory crossroads that could change the rules of the game.

Sports tension has taken over the Spanish football environment this Saturday. Real Oviedo, visibly upset by the postponement of its match against Rayo Vallecano, has issued a statement expressing its displeasure and announcing the possibility of taking legal action. In the spotlight, an article of the General Regulations of the RFEF that, at first glance, could give it a significant advantage.

The Asturian club clings to article 178.c of the General Regulations of the RFEF, which in section 3 stipulates that failure to comply with the regulations regarding sports facilities, including the playing surface and the conditions of the changing rooms, is considered a serious offense. The sanctions contemplated are forceful: a fine of up to 600 euros and the loss of the match, with the opponent being declared the winner with a result of six goals to zero, unless a higher score had been obtained.

This article, which Oviedo seems to want to take advantage of, details in point c that serious offenses are “the non-compliance due to negligence with the provisions relating to the sports facilities and playing surface, conditions and technical elements necessary according to the rules of the game, when they motivate the suspension of the match, as well as non-compliance with the conditions of decorum, separation, health and hygiene of the team and referee locker rooms.”

However, the strategy of the Oviedo club is clouded by a crucial detail: this specific article to which it appeals has been repealed since the end of November. The entry into force of the new RFEF Official Competition Regulations has made obsolete the point that contemplated the loss of the match in cases of non-compliance with the conditions of the playing field. The new text focuses on “Maintenance of the playing fields” and no longer mentions the penalty of losing the match.

The new regulations, in their section on the maintenance of the playing fields, are clear: “Clubs have the obligation to keep their playing fields duly and legally conditioned and marked for the celebration of matches, without any emblem or legend being included on them, by means of pruning or drawing; refraining, in any case, from altering their natural conditions by artificial means.”

Furthermore, point two of this new article adds that “In the event that they have been modified due to a fortuitous cause or accident, with notable detriment to the development of the game, they must proceed to their arrangement and conditioning.” Negligence is also contemplated in the third point, which states: “If the poor conditions of the playing field, either attributable to the omission of the obligation established in the previous section, or to a voluntary or artificial alteration of the same, determine that the referee decrees the suspension of the match, it will be held on the date indicated by the competent competition body, with the offender being responsible for the expenses incurred by the visitor, without prejudice to any disciplinary responsibilities that may arise. incur.”

This means that, even if it were determined that the poor conditions of the playing field were attributable to the club, the maximum sanction would be for the club to bear the expenses incurred by the visiting team. The loss of the match, as contemplated by the old regulations, is no longer an option, especially considering that the postponement has been agreed by LaLiga with the approval of the RFEF.

The situation is reminiscent of other recent controversies in Spanish football, such as Levante's complaint for “a comparative grievance and direct sporting damage”, or the postponement of Cádiz-Almería, which highlight the complexity and possible controversies that arise in the management of sports calendars and regulations.

This regulatory setback for Oviedo opens a new chapter in the management of incidents in the competition, forcing clubs to be up to date with the latest regulatory changes to be able to defend their interests effectively. LaLiga and the RFEF will have to manage this situation with maximum transparency and rigor, ensuring fairness and sporting spirit in all decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Oviedo's match against Rayo Vallecano postponed?

The original text does not specify the exact cause of the postponement, it only mentions that Oviedo showed its discomfort about it.

What article of the regulation was Oviedo trying to use?

The Asturian club was trying to benefit from article 178.c of the General Regulations of the RFEF.

What sanction did this repealed article contemplate?

It contemplated a fine and the loss of the match, declaring the opponent the winner with a result of six goals to zero.

Is article 178.c of the General Regulations of the RFEF still valid?

No, this article has been repealed since the end of November, when the new RFEF Official Competition Regulations came into force.

What does the new regulation say about the maintenance of playing fields?

It obliges clubs to maintain playing fields in regulatory conditions and, in case of deterioration, to repair them.

What happens if poor pitch conditions cause a match to be suspended under the new regulations?

The match will be held on another date, and the visitor's expenses will be borne by the offending club, without prejudice to other disciplinary responsibilities.

Can Oviedo lose the match due to the poor conditions of the playing field?

According to the new regulations, the loss of the match is no longer a sanction contemplated in these cases. At most, the club would have to cover the visitor's expenses.