The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed today (Thursday) that fans will not attend the Copa del Rey final on April 3 amid ongoing concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seville’s Estadio de la Cartuja (pictured) is due to host the match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, which will serve as the final of the COVID-19-affected 2019-20 season. The stadium will then host the final of the 2020-21 season between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona on April 17.
Spanish radio station Cadena Ser reported yesterday (Wednesday) that the 60,000-seat stadium could open at around 20 to 25% capacity for the first game. It was reported that tickets would only be sold to fans in the Andalusia region and not to supporters of Athletic Bilbao or Real Sociedad.
Following the report, Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias said it was “not possible” for fans to attend the April 3 game and the RFEF has now confirmed the match will be held behind closed doors.
The RFEF said in a statement that the match had been postponed by a year in the hope that fans of Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad would be able to attend. However, the COVID-19 situation in Spain has ultimately deemed this impractical. Both clubs have supported the decision.
Prior to the RFEF’s announcement, Darias told a news conference: “We all want to see fans back at these events but now’s not the time. We’re talking about over 10,000 people, people must understand it’s not possible. This ministry and I will intensely try to find a consensus to ensure this doesn’t happen. It is not right, it’s not opportune and it’s not convenient.”
Cadena Ser also suggested that fans would be permitted for the April 17 final, with tickets to be made available to locals. The RFEF did not comment on fan attendance plans for the April 17 game.
Fans have not been permitted at Spanish football matches since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, said yesterday that he was hopeful fans would be able to return to league games after Easter.
The Estadio de la Cartuja was awarded hosting rights for the Copa del Rey final as part of a four-year deal signed with the RFEF in February 2020. The stadium opened in May 1999 but closed in 2018 after the local authorities determined that its roof required costly renovation work, which has since been carried out.
Image: V&A Dudush/CC BY 3.0/Edited for size
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