With tension reaching its peak just one day before the final, Real Madrid has issued a statement. The club stated through an official release, "We never intended to boycott the final."
Real Madrid clarified on the club’s website on the 26th (Korea time), "We want to address the rumors that have arisen in recent hours. Our team has never considered boycotting the final that will be held tomorrow."
Real added, "Although the referees made inappropriate and regrettable remarks just one day before this game, we cannot allow them to tarnish an important sporting event that will be watched by hundreds of millions of fans around the world."
Additionally, Real noted, "We will hold the game out of respect for fans who have planned to travel to Seville and those who have already arrived in Andalucía."
Real will face FC Barcelona at 5 a.m. on the 27th in the Copa del Rey final for the 2024-2025 season at the Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja in Seville, Spain. However, leading up to the match, there were reports suggesting Real would boycott the final over referee issues. This, however, has been corrected as false reporting.
Real Madrid emphasized in the statement, "The hostile and unfair attitude that the referees have once again directed at our club is unacceptable," adding, "Nevertheless, we want to uphold the true values of football."
Earlier, Real Madrid strongly protested against the assignment of referees for the Copa del Rey final, abruptly canceling a press conference and official training. The figure at the center of the controversy was Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the chief referee. Real publicly disclosed instances where Bengoetxea had made unfavorable decisions against them in the past, prompting Bengoetxea to hold a press conference to express his grievances.
In particular, the referees hinted at the possibility of collective action in response to Real's public targeting, leading Real to assert, "Serious questions about fairness have been raised," and demanded a change of referees. There are projections that if their demands are not met, Real may abandon participation in the final altogether.
Ultimately, Real Madrid decided to proceed with participation, but it is clear that this situation has completely overshadowed the atmosphere of the final. The Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona for the 2024-2025 season is scheduled to take place as planned in the early hours of the 27th in Seville, Spain.
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