According to reports by Marca, Real Madrid planned to cancel pre-Copa del Rey final events like open training, a press conference, and the team dinner. This drastic step comes just before Saturday`s final in Sevilla and is a reaction to the Spanish Football Federation`s decision not to replace the designated referees, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes. Real Madrid argues that comments made public by Gonzalez Fuertes demonstrate bias and should disqualify him from officiating the match.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation rejected Real Madrid`s formal request for a change in officials. In a pre-final press conference, Gonzalez Fuertes, one of the targeted referees, addressed the criticism and abuse directed at him for being assigned the final, specifically mentioning coverage from Real Madrid`s official channel, `Real Madrid TV`.
Gonzalez Fuertes spoke at length about the issue: “I want to address those videos… It`s not just about the words themselves, but the consequences. We see uncontrolled insults and threats from anonymous social media users. Official club accounts are constantly attacking our profession, and player actions and comments suggest our decisions are dishonest. The result of talking about `theft` and using strong language is that the frustration built in fans affects young boys and girls officiating children`s games. It`s the outcome of making officials a target. It would benefit everyone if we could return to a more respectful form of football.”
This isn`t an isolated incident; Real Madrid has voiced frequent complaints about officiating throughout the current season. In February, the club even published an open letter alleging that Spanish refereeing was fixed and lacked credibility.
Real Madrid`s Official Statement
The club, also known as Los Blancos, released an official statement reiterating their demand for a referee change before the final.
“Real Madrid CF finds the public comments made today by the referees assigned to the Copa del Rey Final, set for tomorrow, April 26, 2025, unacceptable. These remarks, unexpectedly highlighting videos from a protected media source like Real Madrid TV, and made intentionally just 24 hours before the match involving one of the finalists, reveal, yet again, the evident animosity and hostility these referees harbor towards Real Madrid.”
“Furthermore, surprising comments, implying a threat and mentioning referee unity, were used to hint at potential actions or measures that completely disregard the fairness, objectivity, and impartiality required merely hours before a major global football event. Given the gravity of this situation, Real Madrid expects the RFEF and the refereeing committee leadership to respond appropriately and take necessary steps to protect the integrity of the institutions they represent.”
Based on his public statements, Real Madrid argues that Gonzalez Fuertes cannot officiate impartially, necessitating his replacement. These refereeing disputes have been a recurring theme for the club during a tumultuous season, leading to multiple formal complaints.
Background of Complaints
As an example of past issues, a match against Espanyol in February saw Real Madrid lose 1-0, partly attributed by the club to refereeing mistakes. This particular incident, where a foul on Kylian Mbappe resulted in only a yellow card instead of a red (despite VAR review upholding the decision), prompted the open letter to La Liga. The winning goal was scored by Romero in that game, impacting Los Blancos` position in the competitive La Liga standings.
Such incidents form the basis of Real Madrid and Real Madrid TV`s complaints regarding perceived unfair refereeing. It has become a pattern for the club to scrutinize officiating decisions throughout the season, even recent ones like Jude Bellingham`s red card for dissent during the match against Osasuna. This ongoing tension has culminated just before the Copa del Rey final, posing a significant challenge for the Spanish Football Federation.
Looking Ahead
Despite Real Madrid`s strong demand, there are currently no indications that the refereeing assignments will be changed. It remains unclear if Real Madrid will escalate the situation further, possibly even protesting participation in the final. However, it is certain that any decision made by the officials during the match will face intense scrutiny. The RFEF has already dismissed Real Madrid`s initial plea, but the club`s recent statement suggests they are not prepared to drop the matter.
