Real Madrid have issued a statement confirming their participation in this weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, putting an end to speculation that they might boycott the match.
The club became embroiled in controversy over the past 24 hours after a dramatic fallout with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) concerning the officials appointed for the final in Seville.
Tensions flared when Real Madrid formally objected to the selection of Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea as referee and Pablo González Fuertes as VAR official.
Their concerns centred on Gonzalez Fuertes’ past criticism of Real Madrid TV’s referee-focused content, which often scrutinises officiating decisions in detail before high-profile fixtures.
Bengoetxea, meanwhile, was reduced to tears in a recent press conference due to the pressure put on by Los Blancos.
As tensions escalated, the club called off both their scheduled training session and press conference. They also demanded a last-minute change in officiating appointments.
New Official Statement.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 25, 2025
Relevo reported that the club was even considering pulling out of the final entirely unless their concerns were addressed.
In another stage of club’s protest, president Florentino Perez announced he would not attend the customary pre-match dinner with Barcelona officials.
The standoff triggered fears that Real Madrid could face disciplinary action from the RFEF, including the possibility of being replaced in the final by Real Sociedad.
However, those concerns were allayed late on when the club officially confirmed their participation in the final and denied any claims they had threatened to withdraw.
The statement said: “In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play tomorrow’s final.
“Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.
“Real Madrid understands that football’s values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final.”
