By Sohaib Shams
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has postponed all 24 first-round Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday following a deadly high-speed train collision in the province of Toledo that left at least 64 people dead.
Fatal Collision Near Toledo
Two high-speed trains, a Renfe and an Iryo service traveling from Madrid to Seville, collided just after 9 a.m. local time between the towns of Mora and Orgaz. The crash caused two carriages to derail, and authorities warned the death toll could rise. A total of 544 passengers were on board both trains.
Football Federation Suspends Tournament
In a statement, the RFEF said the suspension was a sign of respect and solidarity with the victims. The federation will announce revised dates for the postponed matches in the coming days. Top-flight clubs Valencia, Celta Vigo, and Real Betis were among those due to begin their Copa del Rey campaigns on Wednesday evening.
Clubs Express Condolences
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both released statements offering condolences to the victims' families and support for emergency services. Real Madrid and Barcelona enter the competition at the round of 32 in December due to their Spanish Super Cup commitments.
