Real Madrid Face the Chance of Copa del Rey Expulsion

Real Madrid could be thrown out of the Copa del Rey after being accused in fielding an ineligible player on the first half of their match against Cadiz on Wednesday night.

The Spanish grand made the mistake of naming Denis Cheryshev in the starting squad. Unfortunately for Real Mardid, the winger was reported to should have been suspended for the game due to the fact he has been booked three times while playing on loan for Villarreal last season.

Cadiz picked up the booking in the second half of the 6-2 defeat of Villarreal over Barcelona in the semifinals last season. This leaded to the midfielder’s suspension but Real did not comply with it, which could now lead to throwing the club out the competition. The Russian midfielder, who is now 24 years old, spent last season on loan at Villarreal. He was booked three times over Spain’s largest cup competition and was punished not to take part in one game.

Cadiz, who suffered a 3-1 defeat on Wednesday, have confirmed their intentions to file an official complaint against their opponent with the Spanish FA. It will most certainly result in Real Madrid’s expulsion from Copa del Rey.

According to RFEF rules, the governing body is granted the power to eliminate Real Madrid from the competition. The chances or this to happen are considered pretty big, especially considering the fact Osasuna were removed from Copa del Rey in September 2015 under the same circumstances. They fielded Unai Garcia in the game against Mirandes, which led to the team’s elimination from the competition.

Now, under the threat of the club being disqualified, Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno confessed that the team was not aware of Rafael Benitez’ decision to field the Russian midfielder Denis Cheryshev into the team’s game against Cadiz.

Butragueno explained that neither RFED, nor Villarreal provided any information about the one-game ban of Cheryshev. According to him, the player himself was unaware of the ban, either. Real Madrid’s director also shared that the club’s legal services would have to “study the situation”, but it is the Judge of Competition who will be the one to make the final decision.

Rafa Benitez is unlikely to be blamed for what happened, especially considering he has been supported by Real’s president Florentino Perez earlier in December. According to rumours, the match delegate would be called officially responsible for suspension awareness of the Spanish grant.

Real Madrid will be given the chance to appeal any judgement of the league’s competent body, but in fact, it is not likely for the appeal to turn out successful.