Real Madrid SET To Boycott The Copa del Rey Final Vs. Barcelona.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to lock horns in the final of the Copa del Rey on Saturday night at the La Cartuja stadium, Seville, Spain.

Real Madrid, however, is reportedly thinking of boycotting the highly anticipated El Clasico final because they don't like the appointed referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and asked the the Spanish FA (RFEF) to replace the officials, as they would like to have someone else officiate the match 

Los Blancos have already cancelled their pre-match scheduled events, such as a training session in front of the media, press conference, the traditional presidents’ dinner and a pre-match photo-call, and have issued an angry statement after the match referee gave an emotional news conference in which he called out Real for criticising the official on their in-house TV channel.

The video, released on Thursday, shows what RMTV says is a series of errors made by De Burgos throughout his career.

The release is the latest in a string of edits by RMTV, criticising Spanish officials.

De Burgos expressed his distress during the news conference, stating: “When a child arrives at school and his mates tell him that his father is a thief, it makes you sick.”

It’s not clear yet what will happen next but if the Spanish champions don’t turn up for the game tomorrow but there will be consequences for Los Blancos.

According to Barcablaugranes.com, Relevo claims that Madrid will be banned from the competition for the following season if they forfeit the match. According to the rules, "Anyone who withdraws or does not show up will not be able to participate in the next edition of the tournament."

However, Barcelona won't simply be handed the Copa del Rey trophy, they will instead play Real Sociedad. If a team forfeits, the club who eliminated them in the previous round will be reinstated and take their position, according to the rulebook.

The Catalan outfit are 31-time winners of the famous trophy, while Real Madrid have triumphed in the competition on 20 occasions.

Barcelona will be hoping to land a potential quadruple this season, with the Copa their next target after winning the Spanish Super Cup in January against fierce rivals Real Madrid.

In the two Clasicos this season, Barca triumphed 4-0 in LaLiga last October and then 5-2 in the final in Saudi Arabia, but manager Hansi Flick said his team are not necessarily favourites.

Team News:

BARCELONA

Out: Robert Lewandowski (hamstring), Marc Bernal (knee), Marc Casado (knee), Alejandro Balde (hamstring).

Doubtful: None

Predicted XI: 

Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, F Lopez, Raphinha; Torres.

REAL MADRID

Out: Eder Militao (knee), Dani Carvajal (knee), Eduardo Camavinga (muscle)

Doubtful: None

Predicted XI: 

Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, F Garcia; Tchouameni, Valverde; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.