Tensions Mount Ahead of Copa del Rey Final as Real Madrid Faces Controversy
Escalating Political Drama in Spanish Football
As the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final approaches, the world of Spanish football has plunged into a media-political whirlwind that threatens to overshadow even the Classic match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Just 24 hours before the final, tensions flared following pointed comments from appointed referees Ricardo de Burgos and Pablo González Fuertes regarding the conduct of the champions' television channel.
In response, Real Madrid issued a firm statement challenging both the Spanish Football Federation and the referees, casting doubt on the objectivity of the officiating crew selected for the match. This provocation prompted a sharp rebuke from La Liga president Javier Tebas, who publicly accused Real Madrid's president, Florentino Pérez, of attempting to exert control over Spanish football structures.
"This is not football; it is an attempt at takeover," Tebas asserted in an unprecedented attack on Pérez, alleging that the Real Madrid president resents anystart who fails to comply with his directives.
Reaction from La Liga President
In a series of critical remarks, Tebas expanded on Real Madrid's unexpected decisions leading up to the final. The team neglected to hold a press conference, canceled their official training session at the La Cartuja Stadium, skipped a team photo, and chose not to send representatives for the official dinner hosted by the federation. Furthermore, Pérez will not attend these preparatory events and will join the game directly on Friday, prompting Tebas to remark, "He does not protest—he threatens. He does not oppose—he punishes. He does not wish to improve football—he wants football on his terms."
Potential Consequences of Non-Participation
Amidst these escalating political disputes, a serious sporting legal question emerged: What would happen if Real Madrid chose not to participate in the final? According to Article 77 of the Spanish Football Federation's general regulations, a club failing to show up for an official match—especially a cup final—would be deemed to have lost the game, allowing the eliminated team (in this case, Real Sociedad) to take their place.
Further repercussions would include a ban from participating in the next season's tournament and a financial penalty ranging from €3,006 to €12,021. Real Madrid could also face additional compensation claims from third parties, including Barcelona, the federation, broadcasters, and sponsors, while the potential damage to the reputation of Spanish football could be severe.
As the situation continues to develop, all eyes will be on how this controversy plays out on the field and its potential ramifications for the future of football in Spain