Real Madrid have confirmed that the Copa del Rey final will go ahead after it was reported that they were ‘considering’ a boycott.
The final of this year’s Copa del Rey was thrust into doubt amid ongoing conflict between Real Madrid and the officiating team assigned to the match against Barcelona.
Speaking to reporters, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears when discussing a video posted to Real Madrid’s TV channel, which scrutinised the “errors” he’s made against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
De Burgos said: “To see your son come from school crying because some kids have said his dad is a crook is very hard to take.
“What I do is tell my son that his father is honorable. I make mistakes, like any athlete, but I am honorable. I want my son to be proud of his father and of the refereeing profession.
“Nobody has the right to submit my colleagues to what they are dealing with.”
In a remarkable statement, Real Madrid blasted De Burgos’ “unacceptable” comments.
“Real Madrid considers the public statements made today by the referees designated for the Copa del Rey Final, scheduled to be held tomorrow, April 26, 2025, to be unacceptable,” a statement read.
“These protests, which have surprisingly focused attention on videos from a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Real Madrid TV, deliberately carried out 24 hours earlier against one of the final’s participants, demonstrate, once again, the clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees toward Real Madrid.
“Even more surprising statements, in a threatening tone, alluding to the referees’ unity, were used to announce alleged measures or actions that fall far short of the principles of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality that should prevail just hours before a football event that captures the attention of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
“Given the seriousness of what happened, Real Madrid hopes that those responsible for the RFEF and the refereeing body will act accordingly, adopting the necessary measures to defend the prestige of the institutions they represent.”
Real Madrid were also furious with the Spanish football association for refusing to remove De Burgos from Saturday’s game, with Fabrizio Romano saying they ‘are set to cancel open training, press conference and clubs dinner [on Friday]’. Various mainstream outlets have since confirmed this decision.
A report from Spanish outlet Marca claimed Real Madrid were even ‘considering not playing’ against Barcelona amid ‘maximum tension’ before the final.
‘The Federation remains firm in its position and sees no possibility of a change, but what is clear is that everything that has happened will take its toll on the Technical Committee of Referees. Even what is considered provocation, such as the videos on Real Madrid TV or some social media posts from other teams, will not serve as a mitigating factor in their decision-making.
‘It’s true that Florentino Pérez wasn’t scheduled to arrive in Seville until Saturday morning, so he wasn’t going to attend the dinner under any circumstances, but his intention to skip it remains firm.
‘The possibility of a missed final continues to loom over the Andalusian capital, but the Federation hopes the outcome will not go beyond a missed training session and press conference. Real Madrid’s outrage continues to grow, and it’s unclear what the outcome will be.’
A later statement from Real Madrid confirmed the match will go ahead.
They said: “Real Madrid communicates that our team has never considered giving up playing tomorrow’s final.
“Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements of the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot stain a sporting event of global importance that hundreds of millions of people will see and also out of respect for all the fans who plan to travel to Seville, and to all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.
“Real Madrid understands that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that have been evident today, once again against our club, by these referees designated for the final.”