Real Madrid Cancel Pre-Final Events Amid Referee Controversy Ahead of Copa del Rey Clash

April 25, 2025 – Madrid, Spain

Real Madrid have made headlines by canceling their scheduled open training session, press conference, and official club dinner on the eve of the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona, set for April 26, 2025, at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The drastic move, first reported by Spanish outlet MARCA, comes as a direct response to an escalating controversy involving the match officials, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (main referee) and Pablo González Fuertes (VAR official), and their recent public comments, which the club perceives as evidence of bias.

The Referee Dispute

The root of the conflict lies in statements made by De Burgos Bengoetxea and González Fuertes during a pre-match press conference, where they criticized videos released by Real Madrid TV. These videos, a recurring feature of the club’s media strategy, highlight perceived refereeing errors in past matches, particularly those involving Real Madrid’s opponents, including Barcelona. The officials’ remarks, which suggested that such content undermines their authority and impartiality, were met with fierce backlash from the Merengue camp.

Real Madrid, interpreting the comments as an indication of prejudice, formally requested that the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) replace both officials for the final. The club argued that the referees’ public statements compromised their ability to officiate the high-stakes El Clásico impartially. However, the RFEF swiftly rejected the request, asserting that changing referees at such a late stage was logistically unfeasible and unnecessary. An RFEF spokesperson, quoted anonymously by Diario AS, emphasized that the appointed officials are fully prepared and that the federation would not allow clubs to dictate referee selections, as this could set a dangerous precedent.

A Bold Protest

In response to the RFEF’s decision, Real Madrid took the unprecedented step of canceling all pre-final media and ceremonial activities scheduled for April 25. The open training session, typically a public event allowing fans to watch the squad prepare, was scrapped, as was the customary press conference where manager Carlo Ancelotti and a player would address the media. The official club dinner, a tradition involving players, staff, and dignitaries, was also called off. These cancellations are widely seen as a symbolic protest against the RFEF’s handling of the situation and a signal of the club’s deep frustration.

Reports from El Chiringuito TV have added fuel to the fire, suggesting that Real Madrid’s legal department is preparing a formal statement demanding a public apology from the referees. More sensationally, the outlet claimed that the club is contemplating boycotting the final altogether, though no official confirmation of such a drastic measure has been issued by Real Madrid. Such a move would be extraordinary and likely provoke significant repercussions, both competitively and financially, given the global attention surrounding the Copa del Rey final.

A Broader Context

This controversy is the latest chapter in a fraught relationship between Real Madrid and Spanish football’s refereeing authorities. The club has frequently voiced concerns over officiating decisions, particularly in high-profile matches. Earlier in the 2025 season, Real Madrid publicly criticized refereeing errors following a 1-0 La Liga defeat to Espanyol in February, with club president Florentino Pérez reportedly raising the issue directly with RFEF officials. The Real Madrid TV videos, which have become a lightning rod for criticism, are part of the club’s broader campaign to highlight what they perceive as systemic inconsistencies in refereeing.

The RFEF, for its part, has defended its officials, arguing that public criticism from clubs undermines the integrity of the game. The federation has also pointed to recent initiatives, such as increased transparency in VAR decisions, as evidence of their commitment to fair officiating. However, Real Madrid’s actions suggest that trust between the club and the governing body remains at a low ebb.

Implications for the Final

As the Copa del Rey final approaches, the refereeing controversy threatens to overshadow what promises to be a thrilling encounter between Spain’s two footballing giants. Real Madrid, the defending La Liga champions, face a Barcelona side eager to reclaim domestic silverware under manager Xavi Hernández. Both teams have been in scintillating form, with recent El Clásico encounters producing high drama and memorable moments.

The cancellation of Real Madrid’s pre-match events has already shifted the narrative, with media focus now split between the on-pitch rivalry and the off-pitch dispute. Fans and pundits alike are speculating about the potential impact on the team’s preparation and morale, though Ancelotti’s squad is known for its resilience in high-pressure situations.

For the RFEF, the situation presents a delicate challenge. Any perception of bias or mishandling in the final could further erode confidence in Spanish refereeing, a topic that has long been a lightning rod for controversy. Meanwhile, Barcelona have remained largely silent on the issue, with Xavi focusing his pre-match comments on his team’s readiness and the importance of the occasion.

What’s Next?

As of now, the Copa del Rey final is set to proceed as planned, with De Burgos Bengoetxea and González Fuertes in charge. Real Madrid have not issued further public statements beyond their initial request for a referee change, but the club’s actions speak volumes about their stance. Whether they will escalate their protest—or potentially take the extraordinary step of withdrawing from the final—remains to be seen.

For fans, the controversy adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already blockbuster fixture. The clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona is never short of drama, but this latest chapter ensures that the 2025 Copa del Rey final will be remembered as much for its off-field battles as for the action on the pitch.

Sources: MARCA, Diario AS, El Chiringuito TV, RFEF statements