Sevilla frustrated by La Liga kick-off time

Sevilla are in the hunt for a Champions League place, but have been angered by the kick-off time for their final LaLiga game of 2018-19.

Published : May 14, 2019 11:44 IST

Sevilla has lobbied La Liga to change the kick-off time for its final league fixture of the campaign, claiming that the temperature will be too hot for players and fans alike.

The 2018-19 La Liga season comes to an end on Saturday, with Sevilla due to face Athletic Bilbao at 16:15 local time (15:15 GMT), with temperatures set to soar above 30 degrees Celsius throughout the week.

Sevilla sits sixth heading into the final day, but trail Valencia, in action against Real Valladolid on Saturday, by just two points, with Getafe – which hosts Villarreal in its last outing – in fifth.

All of the games involving the three clubs involved in the race for the final Champions League qualification spot are scheduled to kick off at the same time, but Sevilla has been left frustrated by La Liga's decision to play the fixtures in the afternoon, rather than at a later time.

"Sevilla FC wish to publicly express their absolute disconformity with the hour chosen by La Liga for the last league match of the season," a club statement read.

"[La Liga president] Javier Tebas has already been notified of the discontent by Sevilla FC's president Jose Castro.

"The club feel that it has not been taken into account that in Seville, at 16:15, the temperature will be much higher than in Getafe, Barcelona and Valladolid, resulting in discomfort for Sevilla FC, Athletic Bilbao and the fans watching from the stands.

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"It was possible to have put the matches concerning the European spots at a later time when the temperature would not have been a problem.

"The club regrets that this, at least for the moment, has not been taken into account and trusts that LaLiga will rectify the timetable for the good of the professionals and all fans attending the match."

Sevilla needs a victory over Athletic, combined with Getafe and Valencia losing to secure a place in next season's Champions League.

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