Real Madrid say they never considered the boycott of the Copa del Rey final, despite the explosive ‘unacceptable’ comments made by officials after a tearful interview by the match judge.
Ricardo de Burgoetxea, who will formalize the Cup final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, broke up during a press conference on Friday after being asked about Real Madrid TV videos that attacked the judges.
A video released Thursday by Real’s internal service claimed that Madrid won 64 percent of their games referred to by De Burgoetxea, compared to 81 percent earned by Barcelona under his watch. A nameless voice called him “an extraordinary change” while questioning his talent and showing images of his alleged mistakes.
Real Madrid canceled the media tasks and the official training session before the Devine Bengoetxea interview, before confirming later that they would still play in the game.
“In the light of the rumors that have appeared in recent hours, Real Madrid CF announces that our team has never thought of withdrawing from tomorrow’s final,” Real Madrid said in a statement.
“Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made by the judges designated for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sports event of global importance that will be viewed by hundreds of millions of people, and respect for all fans who plan to travel to Seville, and all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.
“Real Madrid believes that football values must prevail, despite the hostility and hostility that have once been manifested today against our club by the judges appointed to the finals.”
It is the last development in a constant quarrel between Spanish and real officials.
At the beginning of this real season, he filed a letter of complaint against the Spanish League judges, causing Laliga Javier Tebas to accuse the club of “losing their minds”.
Concerns about the abuse directed to judges pushed RFEF to issue a statement in February after Jose Munuera Montero was the subject of a reaction after sending Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid.
Emotional De prison Bengoetxea hits again in Madrid TV Video
One tears de Bangoetxea said: “Look, we’re talking a lot about Real Madrid TV videos and it’s true that it is a lot of media attention about it, but I will give you some samples of things that are happening with colleagues and then give me your opinion on it.
“When your child goes to school and their father is told is a thief from other children, that’s really difficult.
“All I am trying to do is educate my son, so he knows that his father is honest, especially honest, but it also makes mistakes like any other person, and that is really difficult and I will not want it for anyone.
“But the day I retire, I want my son to feel proud of what his father did and judging his values. Everything we are going through not only in professional football, this is affecting our families but also in basic football.
“So it’s time for everyone to reflect what we want to do and what we want to get to sport and football. Ok? I just wanted you to know about it.”
Later on Friday, the Spanish Royal Football Federation (RFEF) posted on social media: “Real Madrid CF has informed RFEF that it will not hold the press conference or the official training session before the Copa del Rey planned today at La Cartu Stadium in Seville.”
VAP for Saturday’s final, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, had earlier said that officials would soon take action due to the constant pressure they face.
“We will start taking real actions, we will not continue to allow what is happening,” he said.
“After a few days you will see everyone. We will make history and we will not continue to do what we are doing. A strike? You will have news from us soon.”
Real Madrid’s call to RFEF to ‘act accordingly’
In response to the comments, a Real Madrid statement read: “Real Madrid CF considers public statements made today by judges appointed for the Copa Del Rey final, planned to be held tomorrow, April 26, 2025, to be unacceptable.
“These protests, which have surprisingly focused on the video from a media protected by freedom of expression, such as Real Madrid TV, with the aim of committing 24 hours ago against one of the final participants, demonstrate, once again, the enmity and clear hostility of these judges to Real Madrid.
“Even the most startling statement, in a threatening tone, alluding to the unity of the judges, were used to announce the alleged measures or actions that fall far from the principles of justice, objectivity and impartiality that should prevail just hours before a football event that attracts the attention of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
“Given the seriousness of what happened, Real Madrid hopes that those responsible for RFEF and the judge’s body will act accordingly, adopting the necessary measures to protect the prestige of the institutions they represent.”
Real dispute with Spanish judges reached a new level after Beingham’s sending in February.
Earlier this month, Real Madrid wrote an official letter to RFEF after a 1-0 loss from Espanyol, with the winner scored by Carlos Romero – who Real thought it should have been sent for a late Kylian Mbappe’s challenge.
The club was also laid angry by a VAR-rated penalty, given for the archive-rivals Atletico Madrid who saw Derby Madrid end in a 1-1 draw a week later.