Rubi rallies support for unified calendar at coaches’ summit
The UD Almería head coach renews call to halt Segunda fixtures during international breaks
UD Almería head coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, better known as Rubi, has once again voiced his long-standing demand for calendar unification between Spain’s first and second divisions, this time gaining notable backing from his coaching peers.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the National Coaches Committee held at RFEF headquarters on Tuesday, Rubi proposed that the Segunda división should pause during international windows, just like LaLiga EA Sports. The meeting, attended by representatives from LaLiga, the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), and high-ranking officials of the Spanish Football Federation, gave Rubi a significant platform to press his case.
The Catalan tactician's call was met with widespread support from fellow coaches, who agreed it is only fair that all clubs should be equally protected during FIFA international dates.
This week serves as a clear example of the disparity: while there are no Primera división fixtures due to international action, the Segunda continues. UD Almería will be without 3 key players on international duty, while their upcoming rivals Racing Santander, are missing 4.
Rubi’s proposal aims to eliminate this competitive imbalance and weakened squads once and for all.