Real Madrid issue furious referee statement and 'boycott' Copa del Rey final duties

have released a furious statement aiming fire at the selected officials ahead of Saturday's Copa del Rey final against . The Bernabeu giants lashed out in reaction to a press conference held by scheduled referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and VAR Pablo Fuertes earlier on Friday.

De Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears as he detailed how his family has been impacted by criticism on Real Madrid TV, the club's in-house television channel. Luis Medina Cantalejo, President of the Technical Committee of Referees, made the appointments and received strong backing from Fuertes during the conference. He said: "We are more united than ever with Medina Cantalejo.

"We're going to have to take stricter measures than the ones we're taking now. In coming days, you'll see that we'll make history."

Fuertes' defiant comments in Seville sparked a furious reaction from Real, who have urged the Royal Spanish Football Federation to take action and change the official lineup.

A statement read: "Real Madrid considers the public statements made today by the referees designated for the Copa del Rey Final, scheduled to be held tomorrow, April 26, 2025, to be unacceptable.

"These protests, which have surprisingly focused attention on videos from a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Real Madrid TV, deliberately carried out 24 hours earlier against one of the final's participants, demonstrate, once again, the clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees toward Real Madrid.

"Even more surprising statements, in a threatening tone, alluding to the referees' unity, were used to announce alleged measures or actions that fall far short of the principles of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality that should prevail just hours before a football event that captures the attention of hundreds of millions of people around the world.

"Given the seriousness of what happened, Real Madrid hopes that those responsible for the RFEF and the refereeing body will act accordingly, adopting the necessary measures to defend the prestige of the institutions they represent."

The RFEF have confirmed that there is no possibility of changing the referees for the mouth-watering final between Real and Barcelona.

"There is no reason for it, no matter what Real Madrid says," a spokesperson told Cadena SER.

According to , in the heat of the fury, Real cancelled Carlo Ancelotti's pre-match press conference and their open training. Los Blancos have also opted against attending the venue for official photos before the final.

However, in response to uncertainty surrounding their involvement against Barcelona, Real have confirmed they have never considered boycotting the final itself.

"In light of the rumours that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid CF announces that our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow's final," a new club statement read on Friday night.

"Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made by the referees designated for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot taint a sporting event of global significance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people, and out of respect for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.

"Real Madrid believes that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that have been manifested once again today against our club by the referees appointed for the final."

Barcelona are vying for their first Copa del Rey crown since 2021, while Real are eyeing their second title in three years.