Copa del Rey final to be moved upon Real Madrid request

The Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao will not take place at the Bernabeu.

It had originally been decided that the final would take place at the home of Real Madrid, however the capital club have expressed a strong objection to the plans and it will now be moved.

Royal Spanish Football Federation president Angel Maria Villar announced on Radio Nacional de Espana: "Madrid have declared themselves and it's ruled out.

"Florentino [Perez] spoke to the federation and he has transmitted his decision. As club employees have said, it cannot be.

The game, scheduled for May 25, has not yet been allocated a replacement venue.

"It still hasn't been determined. The two teams will get together and we will listen to them, which is what we have always done. There has already been one meeting without an agreement and we will now call another one," added Villar.

Athletic Bilbao had previously pleaded with the RSFF for the game to be held in Madrid.