The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has suspended all 24 Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday after a train collision in Toledo province killed more than 30 people.
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.
The RFEF said the postponements were a mark of respect and an expression of solidarity with the victims and their families. Five top-flight clubs — Levante, Alaves, Valencia, Celta Vigo and Real Betis — had been due to play first-round ties on Wednesday. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were not scheduled to enter the competition until the last-32 stage.
Barcelona said it sent its “deepest condolences” to the victims and offered support to their families and friends, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Real Madrid said on its website that it was deeply saddened by the accident and offered “full support” to the emergency services and rescue workers.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was “shocked” by the crash and offered support to the victims and their families.
Thursday’s Copa del Rey matches are unaffected. The RFEF has not yet announced a revised schedule for Wednesday’s postponed fixtures.
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