The Spanish Football Federation have reportedly determined that this season’s Copa del Rey will be held on Friday May 17.
The date and venue for the final to be played between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are set to be officially determined in a meeting this afternoon between the two clubs at the RFEF.
However, AS report that the RFEF have taken the lead and informed the two clubs that the game would best be played on the Friday with a 9.30pm local time kick-off.
The provisional date of Saturday May 18 had to be reconsidered due to the game’s television broadcasters’ request that it does not clash with the Eurovision Song Contest that same day.
Whilst it was initially believed that the parties would agree to a switch to the Sunday, match RFEF co-ordinator Miguel Angel Lopez yesterday suggested Friday was the most viable date.
“It is closer to being disputed on the Friday 17 because it does not affect the League teams playing on the Sunday,” Lopez told Deportes de RNE this week.
Meanwhile, speculation is that Madrid would like a final played to the biggest crowd possible at the Camp Nou, whilst Atletico would like the least travel possible for supporters and are pushing for a capital-based final.
“The Federation has no evidence of an agreement on the venue yet between Real Madrid and Atletico. Logically, what everyone wants is to play on the biggest stage.
“If there is an agreement, the Federation will not go against it. If there is not, the Federation will determine where the final is played. We have the last word.
“Everyone says there is an agreement between the clubs, but we have not had word on this.
“It is not logical that 50,000 fans have to travel from a city like Madrid, which is the centre, to another city. The logic is that it will be in Madrid. The RFEF do not care if it is at the Santiago Bernabeu or the Vicente Calderon. We will work comfortably in both stadiums.
“It is logical that the game is played in the biggest stadium because they can fit more fans from both teams. The Bernabeu has a capacity of over 80,000. The Vicente Calderon has approximately 55,000 seats. There is a difference in the numbers at the locations. More fans at one would be able to see the event live.
“Right now, the game is closer to being played on the Friday. There are games on the Sunday and some of those are televised. Friday May 17 would be wisest because it will not affect the teams playing on the Sunday.”
