The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Wednesday the postponement of 24 matches scheduled for the first round of the Copa del Rey. The decision was made as a mark of respect and solidarity following a train accident in Urda, Toledo, which resulted in at least 30 fatalities. In response to the tragedy, the governing body suspended all matches that were set to take place throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening. The RFEF stated that it will announce the rescheduled dates and times for these fixtures in the near future. “The great family of Spanish football remains united in grief over this tragedy,” the federation said in an official statement, adding that it is prepared to collaborate with authorities to assist those affected. Among the suspended matches are the ties between Utebo and Sabadell, Pamplona and Eibar, Alcoyano and Mallorca, Numancia and Oviedo, Navalcarnero and Betis, Salamanca and Celta, and Xerez and Cádiz. In addition to the match postponements, the RFEF canceled a scheduled event at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas, where Jesús Velasco, the Spanish national futsal coach, was set to sign a contract renewal. The federation extended its condolences to the families of the victims and expressed its support for all those impacted by the accident. LaLiga also issued a statement expressing its solidarity and lamenting the events in the province of Toledo. The 14 remaining matches of the first round, which are scheduled for Thursday, were not included in the RFEF’s postponement announcement.
Article source: De Ultimo Minuto | Image credit: De Ultimo Minuto