FIFA has given permission for Spanish football authorities to extend their league season until May 20 to deal with a fixture pile-up.

FIFA had wanted all league games to be completed by this weekend to enable players rest before the forthcoming Wolrd Cup finals. The problem was caused by the postponement in April of the game between Sevilla and Barcelona. With Sevilla playing in the UEFA Cup final on Wednesday and Barcelona appearing in next week’s Champions League final, there was no time for the match to be rearranged before the designated end of season on May 15th

However, FIFA has now given its go-ahead to a new match schedule which means the Sevilla v Barcelona game takes place this Saturday, as will those games that do not affect Champions League places.

The fixtures between Sevilla and Real Madrid, and Osasuna and Valencia will then be played on May 16 on the eve of the Champions League final when Barcelona play Arsenal.

Barcelona’s remaining game with Athletic Bilbao will be played on the weekend of May 20 without international players.

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