All 24 Copa del Rey matches due to be played on Wednesday have been suspended as a mark of respect after a train crash in Spain left more than 30 people dead.
The Spanish FA (RFEF) announced the blanket postponement, saying the decision had been taken in solidarity with the victims. More than 500 passengers were on the trains when they collided and derailed in the province of Toledo, near Madrid.
Five top-flight clubs — Levante, Alaves, Valencia, Celta Vigo and Real Betis — had been due to feature in Wednesday’s first-round ties. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were not scheduled to enter the competition until the last-32 stage.
Barcelona posted their “deepest condolences” to the victims of the accident between Los Yebenes and Urda, expressing support for the families and friends of those who died and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Real Madrid used their website to express “deepest sorrow” and offer “full support” to the emergency services and all those involved in the rescue efforts.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was “shocked” by the accident and offered support to all the victims and their families.
Thursday’s Copa del Rey matches remain unaffected. The RFEF has not yet released a revised schedule for the Wednesday fixtures that have been postponed.