Elche CF president Joaquín Buitrago has revealed that the traditional Festa d'Elx Trophy will not be played before July 17, the start date of LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 for the 'franjiverdes'. This decision is part of a recent trend, as the tournament has seen notable interruptions since 2019.
Since the 1960s, the trophy had been played almost uninterruptedly until 2019. That year, the pitch had to be completely renovated after a concert by Alejandro Sanz at the Martínez Valero stadium. It was also not played in 2020, due to the extension of LaLiga following the COVID-19 lockdown. In 2022, a tight schedule for a winter World Cup prevented its usual dates, although it was played in December against Leeds United, a formula now being considered for the LXV edition.
Buitrago made these statements at the Elche City Council, during the presentation of the Festa's various disciplines other than football. The main reason for the tournament's cancellation at this time is the road-widening works for the stadium's access routes, promoted by the council and recently started. These works will last for six months, coinciding with league matches at the 'franjiverde' stadium.
