The RFEF has confirmed that there will be no public in the Copa del Rey final that will be played by Athletic and Real Sociedad on April 3. Through a statement, the Federation, which 'postponed the celebration of the Copa SM El Rey 2019/2020 Final in order to aspire to the final being held with the assistance of both fans', has made the decision that the game be played closed door following the recommendation of the health authorities.
The Federation, which has held constant meetings with the competent authorities in relation to the pandemic, assures that, according to epidemiological data, 'the celebration of this match with an influx of public would imply the classification of moderate epidemic risk by COVID-19, which allowed the attendance of a limited capacity '. Similarly, the meeting scheduled for today afternoon between the Federation, the clubs, the Junta de Andalucía and the CSD remains.
In addition, in said statement, the RFEF has reported that both clubs (Athletic and Real Sociedad) were willing to abide by any decision by the Federation, which finally has been to hold the final behind closed doors.
The full statement is as follows:
“Over the last few weeks, different meetings have taken place between the Andalusian Regional Government's Ministry of Health and Families with the Royal Spanish Football Federation, on the occasion of the celebration at the La Cartuja stadium in the city of Seville , next Saturday, April 3, of the 2019-2020 His Majesty the King's Cup Final, between Athletic Club and Real Sociedad.
In these meetings, the health care situation and current epidemiological data in Seville have been analyzed, communicating the health administration that holding said meeting with an influx of public would imply the qualification of moderate epidemic risk for COVID-19, which allowed the limited capacity assistance.
It should be remembered that the Royal Spanish Football Federation, in agreement with the finalist clubs, postponed the celebration of the SM El Rey 2019/2020 Cup Final in order to aspire for the final to be held with the assistance of both fans .
The current epidemic situation and the established measures that entail the perimeter closure of mobility, both for the autonomous community of Andalusia, and for the province of Seville, make it unfeasible for fans not residing in the province to attend this meeting.
Both clubs have been informed of all this, and they have communicated that they would abide by any decision of the RFEF. The fact that the fans cannot travel and go to the Cartuja stadium has been especially valued, the Health and Family Department of the Junta de Andalucía and the Royal Spanish Football Federation agreeing that said match takes place without the assistance of audience in the stands of the La Cartuja stadium.
Under this premise, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has always worked within the strictest framework of compliance with the decisions of the health authorities, always being sensitive to their recommendations.
Given the different information disseminated, the Ministry of Health and Families and the RFEF show that this is the only official communication from both institutions. All parties hold the meeting scheduled for this afternoon at the RFEF headquarters in Las Rozas “.