Spain pauses 24 Copa del Rey games after train crash kills 30
The Spanish football federation suspended Wednesday's first-round matches following the fatal collision near Toledo.
By Katherine Barnes ·
Football fans across Spain lost 24 scheduled matches on Wednesday evening. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) postponed all first-round games of the Copa del Rey that were set to take place that night. The suspension serves as a mark of respect for the victims of a deadly train accident in the province of Toledo.
Two high-speed trains collided near Urda station on the route between Madrid and Sevilla on Wednesday morning. One train operated by the national carrier Renfe struck a train run by the private company Iryo. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the impact.
Emiliano García-Page, the regional president of Castilla La Mancha, confirmed that at least 30 people died in the crash. He warned that the death toll could increase. García-Page stated that at least 80 other individuals were injured.
The RFEF explained its decision in a public statement. The federation said it suspended the 24 matches originally scheduled for the evening to show solidarity with the victims. The organization noted that the Spanish football community is united in grief and has offered assistance to local authorities.
The Copa del Rey first round began on Tuesday with 18 games. Another 14 matches are planned for Thursday. It remains uncertain whether those Thursday games will proceed as originally planned. The RFEF said it would release updated schedule information in the coming days.
Spain's royal family also responded to the tragedy. In a message posted on social media, the family described itself as moved and worried by the event. The message expressed sorrow for the families of the deceased and support for the injured and emergency workers in the area.
The Copa del Rey is the oldest national football competition in Spain. Real Sociedad won the previous year's tournament by defeating Atletico Madrid in the final. The four teams qualified for the Spanish Supercopa, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Real Sociedad, do not enter the tournament until the round of 32.
Source: ESPN
