The Spanish Football Federation (FEF) finds it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to open the doors of La Cartuja to the fans of Athletic and Real Sociedad to celebrate the postponed final of the Copa del Rey, which in principle should be played next April 4. It is the date that is on the table of the federative body, although it is not closed or officially approved. In any case, the game would have to be played before the end of this edition, scheduled for the 17th of the same month.
The evolution of the pandemic forces us to take extreme security measures and, except for surprise or an improvement in the situation that unfortunately is not in sight, the great Basque derby would be played without an audience in the stands. The body chaired by Luis Rubiales is expected to make a firm decision in mid-February, with enough time to work on all scenarios. But things would have to change a lot so that there are fans in the Sevillian stadium.
Give up Europe
If a final without fans is finally confirmed, it would be a very hard blow for both clubs. Both Athletic and Real bet hard at the time: they gave up the possibility of playing in Europe this season and enough millions of euros in exchange for having their fans in the stands. UEFA invited them to face closed doors, guaranteeing the presence of the winner on the continental stage, something that the citizens of Bilbao and San Sebastian declined and the FEF respected.
The body that governs European football announced then that the winner – once the derby was played beyond the deadline – would not be entitled to participate in its competitions. Instead, the Federation chaired by Luis Rubiales has promised to grant the title official status.
We will have to wait and see what happens to the public and if April 4 will be the final date. It is the most valued proposal, but it is not yet final. People still dream of the possibility of opening the field to a small number of fans, but more and more a scenario of empty stands is being sensed.
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