All 24 Spanish Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday have been suspended following a deadly train collision near Madrid that claimed more than 30 lives.
The accident occurred in Toledo, where a high-speed Renfe AVE train and an Iryo train collided and derailed between Urda and Los Yébenes.
More than 500 passengers were traveling on the trains when the incident occurred, prompting an emergency response.
The Spanish Football Federation confirmed the postponement in a statement, saying the decision was taken as a mark of respect and solidarity with the victims and their families.
Five La Liga clubs, including Levante, Alaves, Valencia, Celta Vigo and Real Betis, were scheduled to feature in Wednesday’s first-round fixtures.
Barcelona and Real Madrid expressed their condolences to those affected by the tragedy. Barcelona offered its support to the victims’ families and friends while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
Real Madrid also conveyed its sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured, and expressed full support for emergency services and rescue workers responding to the disaster.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was shocked by the accident and offered support to the victims and their families.
The suspension affects the entire day’s Copa del Rey program, with the federation yet to confirm when the postponed matches will be played.
The decision comes as Spain mourns those who lost their lives and emergency teams continue responding to the aftermath of the collision.
Thursday’s fixtures remain unaffected for now, while major clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are scheduled to enter the competition at the round of 32.
Any changes to the tournament calendar will depend on the federation’s revised arrangements for the postponed games.
The incident has also prompted messages of solidarity from across Spanish football, with clubs setting aside their sporting commitments to recognize the scale of the tragedy.
Authorities have been focused on supporting victims and their families as the country awaits further information about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
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