Copa del Rey Pause: 24 Matches Postponed After Toledo Train Collision

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) postponed all 24 first-round Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday evening. The league cited a mark of respect for victims of a fatal train collision in the province of Toledo. The games were originally set to kick off later that day.

Two high-speed trains collided near Urda station on the line connecting Madrid and Sevilla on Wednesday morning. One train was operated by Renfe, the national carrier, and the other by Iryo, a private operator. 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. At least 80 people were injured, according to García-Page.

The RFEF issued a statement explaining the suspension. The federation said the pause was ordered to show solidarity with the victims of the accident. It added that the entire Spanish football community is available to assist authorities in helping the injured.

The federation noted that it will provide updated dates and times for the postponed matches in due course. The first round of the tournament began on Tuesday with 18 games. Fourteen additional matches are scheduled for Thursday, though it remains unclear if those will proceed as planned.

The Copa del Rey is Spain’s oldest national football competition. Real Sociedad won the previous year’s tournament after defeating Atlético Madrid in the final. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Real Sociedad will not enter the competition until the round of 32.

The Spanish royal family posted a message on social media stating they were moved and worried by the crash. The family expressed shared sorrow for the families of the deceased and offered support to emergency teams working in the area.