Overview

• Real Madrid initially threatened to forfeit the Copa del Rey final unless VAR official Pablo González Fuertes was replaced, citing alleged bias and hostility from recent referee comments.
• The RFEF and its Referee Technical Committee refused to replace the appointed officials, emphasizing the importance of referee independence.
• In protest, Real Madrid canceled training, press conferences, and the official pre-final dinner, with club president Florentino Pérez skipping the event in Sevilla.
• Barcelona coach Hansi Flick called for respect and protection for referees, framing the controversy as contrary to fair play and sportsmanship.
• Late Friday, Real Madrid issued a second statement confirming their participation in the final, prioritizing fans and the significance of the event.