Twenty-four Copa del Rey first-round matches have been postponed as a mark of respect following a fatal train crash in the province of Toledo. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced the suspension of Wednesday's scheduled games after two high-speed trains — one operated by Renfe and another by the private company Iryo — collided near Urda station on the Madrid-Sevilla line. Regional president Emiliano García-Page reported at least 30 deaths and 80 injuries, warning the toll could rise.
The RFEF stated the matches would remain suspended until further notice and that revised scheduling details would be provided in due course. The entire Spanish football community expressed solidarity with the victims.
The Copa del Rey first round began Tuesday with 18 games, with 24 more planned for Wednesday and 14 for Thursday. It remains unclear whether Thursday's fixtures will proceed as scheduled.
Spain's royal family shared a message expressing sorrow for the families of the deceased and support for the injured and emergency personnel. The four teams set to compete in the Spanish Supercopa — Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Real Sociedad — do not enter until the round of 32.
Last year's Copa del Rey was won by Real Sociedad, who defeated Atlético Madrid in the final.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing