Fans banned from Copa del Rey final

The Spanish Copa del Rey final which was postponed from last year, will be played without supporters, the Spanish Football Federation announced on Thursday.

There were rumours that a 20 to 25 per cent-capacity could be allowed for the match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad.

The final was postponed last year because of COVID-19 and then put off to April 3.

But the federation has now said the final will still take place behind closed doors, with travel restrictions in Spain ensuring local Bilbao and La Real fans would not be able to go.

A statement from the federation said the regional Health Ministry in Andalusia had identified a “moderate risk” if the fixture was opened up to the public.

It added: “The current situation with the virus and the established measures that ensure the restriction of travel, including for both the autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville, mean it would not be feasible for fans not living in the province to attend the game.”

The federation are still to confirm whether this year’s Copa del Rey final between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona will also go ahead without fans.

That game is scheduled to take place on April 17, two weeks after 2020 final, also at La Cartuja stadium in Seville.