Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad agree to Copa del Rey with crowd

A new chapter in the Copa del Rey. Athletic and Real Sociedad have joined forces to ask the RFEF to play the game with spectators, on a date to be determined. 

The Basque clubs want to play the game in a stadium packed with fans. That is something which cannot happen in the next few months and UEFA wanted the final played by August.

Both teams have agreed that the winner of the match will not get a Europa League spot and seventh place in the league will get the place instead. All that so that their fans can attend.

Full statement

The presidents of Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, finalists of the Copa del Rey 2019-20, after meeting with the Spanish FA head (RFEF), have agreed to ask the RFEF for the Copa del Rey final to be played with spectators at a later date. The match should be considered an official game and the date should be agreed between all three parties.

The desire of both clubs has always been to play the final with our fans. That is what we would like most. A Copa del Rey final with our fans in the stands. 

At the same time, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad want the Spanish FA to guarantee the Copa del Rey final is an official competition match and it be considered an official title. Therefore, they have requested the General Secretary of the RFEF that the Delegate Commission of the RFEF's General Assembly agrees to the move. That meeting will be on Friday 8th May 2020.

With this decision, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad want to show the importance of one of the most prestigious sporting events in world football. And that the historic final can be enjoyed with the presence of the fans, season ticket holders and club members.