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The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has postponed 24 first-round fixtures scheduled for Wednesday as a mark of respect following a fatal train crash in Toledo.
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The train collision and derailment between Urda and Los Yébenes reportedly claimed at least 30 lives and left 80 others injured, according to Castilla-La Mancha regional president Emiliano GarcÃa-Page.
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The Spanish football governing body said revised dates and kick-off times for the postponed matches would be communicated in due course, while the status of Thursday’s fixtures remained unclear.
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The RFEF expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, pledging the football community’s support to the authorities following the tragedy.
October 28, (THEWILL) – A total of 24 Copa del Rey first-round games have been postponed as a sign of respect following a fatal train crash in the province of Toledo on Wednesday.
More than 500 passengers were on board when two trains collided and derailed between Urda and Los Yebenes, about 150km south of Madrid.
The crash involved a Renfe AVE high-speed train and an Iryo train.
According to the regional president of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano GarcÃa-Page, at least 30 people died in the crash. He added that at least 80 people were injured.
The Copa del Rey first round had kicked off Tuesday with 18 games, with another 24 due Wednesday, and 14 on Thursday.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced on Wednesday in a statement that the fixtures have been postponed, but no update on the Thursday fixtures.
The statement read: “As a mark of respect and solidarity with all the victims of the tragic train accident that occurred early this Wednesday in the province of Toledo, the RFEF has ordered the suspension of the 24 matches belonging to the first round of the [Copa del Rey] which were originally scheduled to take place this evening.
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“The RFEF will provide information in due course regarding the revised tournament schedule and the definitive dates and times for the postponed matches.
“The entire Spanish football community stands united in grief over this tragedy and has made itself available to the authorities to assist the victims of this devastating accident.”
The Copa del Rey is Spain’s oldest national football competition.
Last year’s tournament was won by Real Sociedad, which beat Atlético Madrid in the final.
The four teams that are set to participate in the Spanish Supercopa — Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad will enter the competition in the round of 32.
