Tensions soar before Copa del Rey final as Real Madrid clash with referees

Real Madrid have issued a forthright denial of speculation suggesting they intended to withdraw from tonight’s Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona, following an explosive breakdown in relations with the match officiating team.

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Real Madrid quell boycott rumors ahead of Copa del Rey Final amid referee row.

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‎The Spanish giants moved swiftly on Friday evening to issue a strongly-worded statement reaffirming their commitment to compete in the high-stakes final, which will be watched by millions worldwide. The announcement came amid rising tensions between the club and the designated match officials, triggered by a controversial broadcast on the club’s own media channel.

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‎“In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid CF communicates that our team never considered refusing to play tomorrow's final,” the statement began.

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‎The club emphasized that “football's values must prevail,” referencing the global audience and the thousands of fans already en route to Seville for the showpiece clash. Madrid also criticized what they called “unfortunate and inappropriate statements” made by the appointed referees, accusing them of displaying “hostility and animosity” toward the club.

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‎At the heart of the storm is a damning segment aired on Real Madrid TV, which scrutinized referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s officiating history. The video contrasted Madrid’s 64% win rate under his officiating with Barcelona’s 81%, calling the discrepancy “incredible” and highlighting past alleged errors.

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‎The broadcast prompted an emotional press conference from De Burgos on Friday, during which he broke down in tears while defending his integrity. "When a child arrives at school and his mates tell him that his father is a thief, it makes you sick,” he said, visibly distressed.

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‎Seated beside him was Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the appointed VAR official, who issued a thinly veiled warning of collective referee action. “In a few days you will all see. We are going to make history,” Fuertes said, suggesting the refereeing community may no longer tolerate growing pressures and criticisms.

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‎In the aftermath, Real Madrid cancelled their pre-match press commitments and training session, though later confirmed participation in the final would proceed as scheduled.

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‎Earlier on Friday, the club had released an initial statement defending the controversial video as a protected expression of opinion, while reiterating its belief that the officiating team demonstrated clear bias. They called on the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to protect the match’s credibility.

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‎Though Real Madrid did not explicitly request the removal of De Burgos and his team, internal sources told Reuters that the club viewed the press conference as a “clear conflict of interest” and an “unprecedented” situation.

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‎RFEF president Rafael Louzan appealed for “calm, responsibility and common sense,” refusing to confirm whether officiating assignments would be revised.

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‎Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick also weighed in, calling for greater institutional support for referees. “It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game,” he stated.

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‎As kickoff approaches, all eyes remain fixed on Seville—not only for the footballing spectacle, but for the implications this controversy may carry for the integrity of officiating and institutional oversight in Spanish football. SA