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Real Madrid have closed a disciplinary case against Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, with each player handed a $588,500 (€500,000) fine.
As a damaging internal conflict erupts within the squad, Valverde and Tchouaméni became involved in a physical confrontation this week that left the former requiring medical attention at a hospital.
The Uruguayan international sustained a "traumatic brain injury," believed to have occurred when his head hit a table during the altercation. Reports indicated he was rendered unconscious and required stitches for a significant head wound. Valverde is now expected to rest for up to 14 days.
The player himself tried to defuse the situation. In an Instagram post, he maintained that the head injury was accidental and that neither he nor Tchouaméni had physically struck the other. "What happened is the accumulation of many things that result in a senseless fight that damages my image."
The incident appears to highlight the deep divisions within the current squad, where some players continue to back Álvaro Arbeloa—Valverde among them—while others stand in opposition. It is also believed not to be an isolated case when it comes to behind-the-scenes tensions.
Disciplinary proceedings were launched immediately, with both Valverde and Tchouaméni summoned before the designated case investigator. A club statement released Friday afternoon confirmed that both players had "expressed their deep regret for what happened and apologized to each other."
Apologies were also extended to "the club, their teammates, the coaching staff and the fans," with the pair agreeing to accept whatever punishment Real Madrid chose to impose.
For Tchouaméni, the substantial fine represents roughly two weeks' wages. Valverde earns slightly more than his fellow midfielder and will recoup that sum in under 11 days.
Where Do Real Madrid Go From Here?
Real Madrid's statement makes clear that this specific matter is now considered resolved. However, there is no straightforward solution to the broader issues that have erupted in recent weeks, having seemingly simmered beneath the surface for much of the season.
As things stand, the culture is fractured. Rival factions exist and the squad could scarcely be more divided. That cannot be remedied this season with so little time remaining.
Los Blancos face the ultimate embarrassment on Sunday evening, with Barcelona capable of clinching this season's La Liga title provided they avoid defeat at Camp Nou. Unthinkably, that would mark a second straight season without a major trophy for Real Madrid.
Arbeloa was brought in—elevated from within the club—to stabilize the situation, but has since become a lame duck manager simply waiting to be relieved of his duties at season's end. Xabi Alonso's arrival last summer appeared to trigger problems, stemming from his desire to manage a group of players of whom a significant portion had no interest in being coached.
Real Madrid must bring in a unifying figure capable of restoring harmony in the dressing room, or these destructive patterns risk repeating themselves indefinitely.