Spanish football federation postpones 24 Copa del Rey matches after train crash

Spain’s football federation postponed all 24 Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday, 28 October, after a deadly train crash in Toledo province, Al Jazeera reported in an Associated Press article. The decision affects first-round fixtures across the country; the federation said it would announce a revised schedule later.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said it suspended the matches as a sign of respect and solidarity with the victims. It also suspended other matches in competitions it organises, according to USA TODAY Sports. No replacement dates have been announced.

Which Copa del Rey fixtures are affected

Thursday’s first-round games had not been postponed at the time of the AP report. USA TODAY Sports listed 14 matches scheduled for Thursday, 29 October, but said their status was unclear. The Spanish league had not announced any postponement of the weekend’s games, according to AP.

Clubs respond as rail travel is disrupted

Reuters reported that the crash disrupted rail services between Madrid and Andalusia, affecting travel for some teams and supporters. Barcelona expressed support for victims’ families and friends and wished those injured a speedy recovery. Real Madrid also offered condolences to those affected, AP reported.

Sevilla held a moment of silence before training on Wednesday and cancelled manager Luis García Plaza’s scheduled news conference ahead of its match against Sporting de Hortaleza, according to AP. Those responses came as clubs awaited new dates for the postponed cup ties.

Reports gave conflicting casualty figures: AP said authorities had reported at least 30 deaths and about 80 injuries, while USA TODAY Sports cited local officials reporting at least 64 deaths and dozens injured. The differing accounts should not be read as a settled toll.