Copa del Rey-Krimi: Real Madrid threatens to boycott against Barcelona!

In the run-up to the Copa del Rey finals between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 25, 2025, there is a dispute over referees.
In the run-up to the Copa del Rey finals between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 25, 2025, there is a dispute over referees. (Symbolbild/NAGW)

Copa del Rey-Krimi: Real Madrid threatens to boycott against Barcelona!

La Cartuja stadium, Seville, Spain - On April 25, 2025, the Spanish Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will be held in the La Cartuja Stadium in Sevilla. The match, set for Saturday at 10:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. GMT), is under a shadow of controversy and disputes.

Real Madrid has decided not to take part in the activities that take place before the game, including the press conference, open training and traditional dinner. The reason for this boycott is the criticism of the referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea of ​​the comments of the Real Madrid TV channel. The club described the allegations as "unacceptable" and expressed concerns about a possible conflict of interests.

referee and their challenges

de Burgos, who emotionally commented on the allegations, said in a press conference that it was as if one would say to a child that his father was a thief. This statement illustrates the sensitive topics about the integrity of the referees in football. According to the Spanish Football Association RFEF, there is increasing concern about the abuse of referees, especially in the current season, which is characterized by tensions between Real Madrid, Spanish Football Federation and La Liga.

This is also evident in the case of José Munuera Montero, another referee who has recently had to slip consequences from critical reporting on the referee services. The VAR referee Pablo González Fuertes emphasized the necessary support for referees and announced that it would take measures.

Barcelona and their ambitions

While Real Madrid is fighting internal conflicts, Barcelona follows an important season with the aim of achieving a possible quartet. Under coach Hansi Flick, the club was already able to win the Spanish Supercup against Real Madrid. In the previous duels this season, Barcelona set a clear sign with clear victories-4-0 in Laliga and 5: 2 in the Supercup final.

Flick has also spoken out for the protection of the referees and emphasized that emotions should not determine the behavior after the games. The captain of Barcelona, ​​Ronald Araujo, praised the nerve strength and the calm appearance of young talents such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and Pedri from the La Masia Akademie.

Real Madrid and their considerations

In the meantime, Real Madrid has thought about quitting the final and returning to Madrid. According to reports, it is conceivable that the team could not compete if the referees do not excuse. This could lead to a historical cancellation of the Copa del Rey final. In addition, the decision was made not to participate in the press conference of coach Carlo Ancelotti and player Luka Modrić, as well as the cancellation of public training.

Real Madrid TV had previously sent a report that revealed the referees' profit rates compared to Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​which apparently increased the displeasure of the management.

The intensity of this rivalry, underlined by the conflicts mentioned above and the sporting ambitions, makes the upcoming game a real focal point in Spanish football.

The question of referee training and support is crucial for football as a whole. In particular, the challenges with which referees are confronted demand for comprehensive protection and support systems to prevent abuse and to maintain the integrity of the game. This is also supported by the training offered by the referees of the Bavarian Football Association, which prepares them for responsible work and, at the same time, offers support in critical situations.

For more information on the events related to the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​read the reports from Al Jazera , World Soccer Talk as well as to support the referee by Bavarian football association .

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OrtLa Cartuja stadium, Seville, Spain
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