The RFEF, after an urgent request by La Liga, reached a decision to suspend the match this Saturday between Valencia and Real Madrid. And for obvious reasons: the non-stop rains that fell on Castellón and Valencia have left in their wake devastating destruction, with 155 dead and many missing. The Mestalla Stadium, in which the match was to be held, was converted into a center for humanitarian aid. Nothing better could have been decided on the part of Spanish soccer.
Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).
A Reality More Important than Soccer
The city of Valencia-one of the major urban complexes of Spain-is submerged in water. The unstoppable rains have destroyed houses, enterprises, and avenues, leaving nothing but desolation in their wake. In neighboring towns like Turís and Utiel, the record rainfall that has fallen in a few days amounts to what normally corresponds to an entire year. Because of that, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency Aemet issued the red alert, or the highest level of warning, to show how serious the situation is and that the safety and well-being of flood victims are way beyond any soccer game.
Mestalla has become a symbol of solidarity-a gathering point for food, water, and all types of essentials for the homeless due to flooding. This act is witness to what sports are to the people: not just a ground of competition but of companionship and support.
RFEF and La Liga: A Decisive Response and Community Support
Equally, the crisis has been the decision by the RFEF and La Liga to postpone the match between Valencia and Real Madrid, among others. In addition, all matches throughout the entire national territory will hold a minute of silence regarding the lives this weird tragedy took. At this moment, very important is the moment of solidarity, and soccer should contribute to reinforcing it as a cultural and social form of expression.
This is also a very good lesson in social responsibility that sports leagues must always consider during an emergency. RFEF and La Liga, through this postponement, give a very humane and conscious touch to what is paramount-life and safety above profits and competition. It sets a new benchmark for European soccer, reminding us that sports need not always be put on center stage, especially when lives are at risk.
Climate's Role in the Disaster: Mediterranean Warming and Torrential Rains
For meteorologists, there is no doubt that heating up the Mediterranean Sea has played a protagonist role in the violence of these rains. With above-average temperatures, the Mediterranean becomes a sort of bomb of humidity, with unprecedented and extreme rains on Spain's eastern coast. A reminder of this nexus between climate change and natural disasters warns us that more frequent and devastating intense weather events are coming.
Most exposed to the rise in sea temperatures, Spain has already suffered through several record summers of intense heat and corresponding drought. It is just another wake-up call-for the government and society alike-for urgent, strong climate policy and effective preventative measures, lest worst-case scenarios are witnessed not too far off in the future.