SPANISH FOOTBALL FEDERATION SUSPENDS 24 COPA DEL REY MATCHES

The Spanish Football Federation suspended all 24 Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday after two trains collided in Toledo province. Reported death tolls ranged from at least 64 to at least 68. More than 500 passengers were travelling on the trains when they collided and derailed. The federation said it suspended the first-round fixtures as a mark of respect and solidarity with the victims. It also suspended other matches in competitions it organises.

Levante, Alaves, Valencia, Celta Vigo and Real Betis were among the top-flight teams due to play on Wednesday. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are due to enter the Copa del Rey in the last-32 round in December. Barcelona offered its “deepest condolences” to the victims and expressed support for their families and friends. Real Madrid expressed its “full support” for emergency services and those working on the rescue effort. Juanma Moreno, president of the Andalusian Regional Government, announced three days of official mourning across Andalusia.

The federation has not announced new dates for Wednesday’s matches. “The RFEF will announce the revised tournament schedule and the final times for the postponed matches in the coming days,” it said. Thursday’s Copa del Rey matches remain scheduled to take place. The federation has not said whether other cup fixtures later in the week will be affected, while this weekend’s La Liga matches remain scheduled.