All 24 Wednesday Copa del Rey matches suspended after fatal train crash

All 24 Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday have been suspended following a train crash in Spain that killed more than 30 people, BBC Sport reported. The Spanish football federation, the RFEF, said the decision was taken as a gesture of solidarity with the victims, halting the day's entire programme in the cup competition.

The trains collided and derailed in Toledo, near Madrid, with more than 500 passengers travelling on board, according to the BBC report. Barcelona's statement identified the location as between Los Yebenes and Urda. The reported death toll remained expressed as more than 30; the account did not provide a final number of fatalities or a figure for those injured.

Five top-flight clubs were among the teams due to take part in Wednesday's first-round ties: Levante, Alaves, Valencia, Celta Vigo and Real Betis. The suspension applies to all 24 fixtures on that day's schedule, not only those involving those five sides. The RFEF had not yet announced revised dates for the postponed matches when the BBC published its report.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were not scheduled to join the competition until the last-32 stage. Although their own entry into the tournament comes later, both Barcelona and Real Madrid issued public messages responding to the disaster. Barcelona used its social media channels, while Real Madrid published its response on the club's website.

Barcelona offered condolences to those affected and conveyed support to the families and friends of the victims, also expressing hope that the injured would recover quickly. Real Madrid similarly expressed sorrow and sympathy for the bereaved, the injured and everyone affected. Its statement also backed the emergency services and the people involved in the rescue operation.

Thursday's Copa del Rey fixtures remain unaffected, according to BBC Sport. The confirmed scheduling change therefore covers Wednesday's matches, with a replacement programme still outstanding. The federation's explanation for suspending play centred on respect for the victims and solidarity with those affected by the railway disaster.