Real Madrid Football Club has reportedly threatened to withdraw from tomorrow’s Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona unless the Spanish football governing body (RFEF) reconsiders and replaces the match officials assigned to the game.
According to multiple reports, the club is expressing serious concerns over the impartiality and conduct of the designated referees ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
In an official statement published on the club’s website, Real Madrid strongly condemned recent public comments made by the appointed referees. The club views these statements as inappropriate and deeply troubling, particularly given their timing and content.
Below is a rephrased version of the official club statement:
Official Club Statement: Real Madrid CF
Real Madrid CF expresses its deep concern and disapproval regarding the public remarks issued earlier today by the referees selected to officiate the Copa del Rey Final scheduled for April 26, 2025.
The referees’ comments—made less than 24 hours before the match—focused on video content produced by Real Madrid TV, a media outlet operating under the principles of freedom of expression. The club finds it both surprising and troubling that such attention has been directed toward this material, particularly when it appears to be a calculated response targeting one of the match’s participants—Real Madrid.
These public declarations, which reflect a tone of clear hostility and bias, further reinforce the club’s longstanding concerns about the animosity certain referees have shown toward Real Madrid. Moreover, the use of threatening language in reference to the so-called “unity” among the refereeing body and the suggestion of collective action or disciplinary steps raise serious doubts about the neutrality and professionalism expected from officials at this level.
Such behavior starkly contradicts the fundamental principles of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality that should govern officiating—especially on the eve of a global event that captures the attention of hundreds of millions of football fans worldwide.
Given the gravity of the situation, Real Madrid CF expects the relevant authorities within the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the refereeing establishment to take immediate and appropriate action. It is imperative to safeguard the integrity and reputation of the institutions they represent.
