The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has handed down its final verdict ahead of the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona. As the tension rises in Seville, the issue isn’t about tactics, injuries, or even the weight of El Clasico history—but something more incendiary brewing behind the scenes.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has handed down its final verdict ahead of the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona. As the tension rises in Seville, the issue isn’t about tactics, injuries, or even the weight of El Clasico history—but something more incendiary brewing behind the scenes.
Real Madrid’s fierce opposition to the chosen referees has pushed the final to the edge of unprecedented chaos, leaving thousands of fans and the entire Spanish soccer community on edge.
Real Madrid formally requested the RFEF to change the referees assigned to the Copa del Rey final, citing concerns over bias and hostility from Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (referee) and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes (VAR official).
The controversy began when both officials gave a rare press conference on Friday. In an emotional moment, Bengoetxea broke down in tears, sharing how criticism from Real Madrid media channels had affected his family. Gonzalez Fuertes, meanwhile, issued a strong rebuke of the pressure referees face, stating that measures were being considered to combat such public attacks.
😨 Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea romper a llorar en mitad de la rueda de prensa. No pudo contener las lágrimas a la pregunta de @jdelriomuradas sobre la presión arbitral #CopadelRey pic.twitter.com/95wBUgV9w3
— MARCA (@marca) April 25, 2025
This emotional display was viewed by Real Madrid as proof of partiality, prompting them to cancel their scheduled training session and pre-match press conference at Estadio La Cartuja. In a sharply worded statement, the club said the comments “demonstrate, once again, the clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees toward Real Madrid. We demand the Federation act accordingly,” the statement read, signaling that the club was not willing to let the matter slide.
RFEF responds—and issues a warning
Despite the rising tension, the Spanish FA has stood firm. RFEF president Rafael Louzan confirmed on Friday evening that there will be no change in the match officials, brushing aside Real Madrid’s protests.
“The CTA [Technical Committee of Referees] has appointed a refereeing team, and that’s the way it is,” Louzan told Sport. “I appeal for calm, responsibility, and common sense. I’ve already spoken with Real Madrid.” Asked if the final would go ahead as scheduled, he answered without hesitation: “Of course, yes.”
Threat of boycott—and the consequences
Despite this confirmation, Real Madrid’s participation in the final remains in doubt, with whispers circulating that the club could boycott the game if the officiating team remains unchanged. It’s a move that, if executed, would plunge one of Spanish soccer’s most iconic fixtures into uncharted territory.
According to Relevo, if Real Madrid refuses to play, the consequences will be severe: “Real Madrid faces suspension of a one-year suspension from playing in the Copa del Rey.” That would effectively bar them from next season’s tournament. In such a case, Real Sociedad may be drafted in as a replacement finalist to face Barcelona.
Florentino Perez, president of Los Blancos, has already pulled out of the traditional pre-final dinner. As of Friday night, the club had made no indication that it was reversing its stance.
