The 2025 Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and their opponents has been overshadowed by controversy rather than anticipation. What was meant to be a celebratory showdown has now become a dramatic confrontation between Real Madrid and Spain’s football authorities. For the first time since tensions escalated, Real Madrid has broken its silence and issued an official statement clarifying its stance.
The storm began when Real Madrid TV, the club’s official channel, released a series of videos harshly criticizing the referee appointed to oversee the final, Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea. These videos highlighted what the club perceived as a pattern of biased officiating in previous matches involving Real Madrid. The footage quickly spread, fueling accusations of potential unfair treatment in the upcoming final.
In response, De Burgos Bengoetxea held an emotional press conference on Friday, breaking into tears as he denounced the videos and labeled them as unfair personal attacks. The referee claimed that the content published by Real Madrid’s media arm had crossed the line and put undue pressure on him and his officiating crew.
In the wake of the controversy, Real Madrid formally requested that the referee and his assistants be removed from officiating the final. The Spanish Football Federation, however, stood firm and refused the request, expressing confidence in the professionalism and neutrality of the officials.
In retaliation, Real Madrid escalated the situation. The club opted to boycott all pre-match formalities, including the pre-final press conference, the official training session, the team photo with the trophy, and even the technical meeting. This move sent shockwaves across the football world and intensified the already heated atmosphere.
More alarmingly, rumors began to circulate that Real Madrid might not show up for the final at all. The possibility of the team refusing to take the field at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville added a layer of suspense and concern among fans, organizers, and the media.
As tension reached its peak, Real Madrid finally released a public statement late Friday. The message was unapologetic and direct, denouncing the situation and standing by its media channel’s content. “Real Madrid CF considers the public statements made today by the referees designated for the Copa del Rey final to be completely unacceptable,” the statement began.
The club defended the right of Real Madrid TV to publish critical commentary, describing it as an exercise of freedom of expression. According to the club, the outrage expressed by the referees only further exposed what it called a “clear animosity” toward Real Madrid within certain sections of the officiating community.
“These protests, prompted by videos from a media outlet exercising its freedom of speech, once again reveal the blatant hostility some referees hold toward our club,” the statement continued. The tone was combative and emphasized the belief that Real Madrid is being unfairly targeted.
The club went further by criticizing the language and tone used by referees during their press conference. It accused them of using threatening language and promoting a sense of unity that conflicts with the core principles of impartiality, fairness, and objectivity expected of match officials.
Such language, Real Madrid argued, is entirely inappropriate on the eve of a final that will be watched by millions around the world. The club’s concerns extend beyond just this match; they imply a larger institutional issue within Spanish refereeing.
In its closing remarks, Real Madrid called on the relevant football authorities to take immediate and meaningful action. “Given the seriousness of the situation, Real Madrid hopes the relevant institutions will act to protect the reputation of the bodies they represent,” the club said.
Yet, despite the fiery statement, one question remains unanswered: will Real Madrid actually play the final on Saturday? The club’s statement did not confirm their participation, leaving fans, pundits, and officials in a state of suspense.
In Seville, the atmosphere is tense. Thousands of fans have arrived to support Los Blancos, yet many are unsure whether the match will proceed. Some are angry, others are confused, but all are watching anxiously for the next development.
Social media has exploded with debate. Some back the club’s firm stance against what they perceive as long-standing bias. Others argue that Real Madrid is attempting to manipulate the match by delegitimizing the officials.
The players, caught in the crossfire, remain silent. Their focus has been on preparation, but the noise surrounding the final is impossible to ignore. They know that this isn’t just a game anymore—it’s a battle of principles, institutions, and reputations.
What should have been a national celebration of football is instead being overshadowed by institutional strife and public distrust. And whether or not the match goes ahead, the controversy has already left a mark on Spanish football.
As the world waits for Saturday’s kickoff, one thing is certain: this final will be remembered—not just for who lifts the trophy, but for the off-field storm that shook the foundations of the sport in Spain.
The 2025 Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and their opponents has been overshadowed by controversy rather than anticipation. What was meant to be a celebratory showdown has now become a dramatic confrontation between Real Madrid and Spain’s football authorities. For the first time since tensions escalated, Real Madrid has broken its silence and issued an official statement clarifying its stance.
The storm began when Real Madrid TV, the club’s official channel, released a series of videos harshly criticizing the referee appointed to oversee the final, Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea. These videos highlighted what the club perceived as a pattern of biased officiating in previous matches involving Real Madrid. The footage quickly spread, fueling accusations of potential unfair treatment in the upcoming final.
In response, De Burgos Bengoetxea held an emotional press conference on Friday, breaking into tears as he denounced the videos and labeled them as unfair personal attacks. The referee claimed that the content published by Real Madrid’s media arm had crossed the line and put undue pressure on him and his officiating crew.
In the wake of the controversy, Real Madrid formally requested that the referee and his assistants be removed from officiating the final. The Spanish Football Federation, however, stood firm and refused the request, expressing confidence in the professionalism and neutrality of the officials.
In retaliation, Real Madrid escalated the situation. The club opted to boycott all pre-match formalities, including the pre-final press conference, the official training session, the team photo with the trophy, and even the technical meeting. This move sent shockwaves across the football world and intensified the already heated atmosphere.
More alarmingly, rumors began to circulate that Real Madrid might not show up for the final at all. The possibility of the team refusing to take the field at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville added a layer of suspense and concern among fans, organizers, and the media.
As tension reached its peak, Real Madrid finally released a public statement late Friday. The message was unapologetic and direct, denouncing the situation and standing by its media channel’s content. “Real Madrid CF considers the public statements made today by the referees designated for the Copa del Rey final to be completely unacceptable,” the statement began.
The club defended the right of Real Madrid TV to publish critical commentary, describing it as an exercise of freedom of expression. According to the club, the outrage expressed by the referees only further exposed what it called a “clear animosity” toward Real Madrid within certain sections of the officiating community.
“These protests, prompted by videos from a media outlet exercising its freedom of speech, once again reveal the blatant hostility some referees hold toward our club,” the statement continued. The tone was combative and emphasized the belief that Real Madrid is being unfairly targeted.
The club went further by criticizing the language and tone used by referees during their press conference. It accused them of using threatening language and promoting a sense of unity that conflicts with the core principles of impartiality, fairness, and objectivity expected of match officials.
Such language, Real Madrid argued, is entirely inappropriate on the eve of a final that will be watched by millions around the world. The club’s concerns extend beyond just this match; they imply a larger institutional issue within Spanish refereeing.
In its closing remarks, Real Madrid called on the relevant football authorities to take immediate and meaningful action. “Given the seriousness of the situation, Real Madrid hopes the relevant institutions will act to protect the reputation of the bodies they represent,” the club said.
Yet, despite the fiery statement, one question remains unanswered: will Real Madrid actually play the final on Saturday? The club’s statement did not confirm their participation, leaving fans, pundits, and officials in a state of suspense.
In Seville, the atmosphere is tense. Thousands of fans have arrived to support Los Blancos, yet many are unsure whether the match will proceed. Some are angry, others are confused, but all are watching anxiously for the next development.
Social media has exploded with debate. Some back the club’s firm stance against what they perceive as long-standing bias. Others argue that Real Madrid is attempting to manipulate the match by delegitimizing the officials.
The players, caught in the crossfire, remain silent. Their focus has been on preparation, but the noise surrounding the final is impossible to ignore. They know that this isn’t just a game anymore—it’s a battle of principles, institutions, and reputations.
What should have been a national celebration of football is instead being overshadowed by institutional strife and public distrust. And whether or not the match goes ahead, the controversy has already left a mark on Spanish football.
As the world waits for Saturday’s kickoff, one thing is certain: this final will be remembered—not just for who lifts the trophy, but for the off-field storm that shook the foundations of the sport in Spain.
