In recent hours, the Spanish media has exploded with news that has stunned football fans: Real Madrid has canceled all media activities related to the Copa del Rey final , including the press conference, training sessions, and official photo sessions. But what’s even more shocking is that the club is considering not showing up to play the final due to its outrage over the statements made by the referees assigned to the match. Below, we break down the details of this scandal that has the football world on edge.

Timeline of a drama that shakes Spanish football

1. The designated referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
   The Royal Spanish Football Federation announced that Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea would be the main referee for the Copa del Rey final. For regular La Liga fans, this name is not unfamiliar. However, his appointment was not well received by those within Real Madrid.

2. RMTV sparks controversy
   Shortly after the announcement, RMTV , Real Madrid’s official channel, published a video compiling Bengoetxea’s refereeing errors from past matches that the club claimed had hurt the club. The video highlighted that Real Madrid had only won 64% of the matches refereed by this referee , while FC Barcelona had an 81% win rate in similar encounters. Furthermore, RMTV questioned Bengoetxea’s experience, pointing out that he only started his professional career in 2018 and has never been selected by UEFA or FIFA to officiate in top-level international competitions. These types of videos are not new, as Real Madrid often use this strategy to single out referees with controversial records before important matches.

3. Bengoetxea’s Tears
   At the Referees Association press conference today, Bengoetxea was overcome with emotion when answering questions about the RMTV video. Visibly affected, the referee recounted that his son had been bullied at school, where his classmates called him “the son of a thief.” These words moved those present, as Bengoetxea confessed that his family is going through an extremely difficult time due to media pressure.

4. VAR referee González Fuertes’ response
   The situation escalated when González Fuertes , the designated VAR referee for the final, issued a forceful statement regarding the RMTV video:
   “We are more united than ever. We will take stricter measures in our decisions. In the coming days, you will see how we make history.”
   These words were interpreted by Real Madrid as a direct threat, sparking unprecedented fury at the club.

5. Real Madrid’s Reaction: Cancellations and a Boycott Threat
   In an unprecedented move, Real Madrid reacted swiftly and forcefully. Initially, the club demanded a change in the refereeing team assigned to the match. However, tensions escalated to the point that the board decided to cancel the pre-match press conference, scheduled training sessions, and official photo sessions . Most alarmingly, the club is considering not attending the final and returning to Madrid. According to sources close to the game, Real Madrid is preparing an official statement demanding a public apology for the referees’ statements, which they consider an intolerable provocation.

What will happen now?

Spanish football is experiencing a period of extreme uncertainty. The possibility of Real Madrid not playing in the Copa del Rey final would be a historic and unprecedented event, with unpredictable consequences for the club, the Spanish Football Federation, and the tournament itself. Fans, both Real Madrid and other teams, are divided: some support the club’s position, considering the referees’ statements disrespectful, while others believe Real Madrid is exaggerating and using the situation as a pressure tactic.

In the coming hours, Real Madrid is expected to issue an official statement clarifying its position. Meanwhile, social media is abuzz with conflicting opinions, and the media continues to speculate about the outcome of this drama. Will Real Madrid play in the final? Will the referees back down? Will there be sanctions for either side? Only time will tell.

A dangerous precedent

This scandal puts the relationship between clubs, referees, and the media at the center of the debate. Media pressure on referees is a recurring theme in football, but Real Madrid’s actions and the referees’ statements have taken this tension to an unprecedented level. If the club ultimately decides not to play, it could set a precedent that affects the organization of future tournaments and the perception of referee impartiality.

For now, the football world is holding its breath, waiting for the resolution of a drama that has undoubtedly already made history.