Copa del Rey ban: Court dismisses Real Madrid appeal

Spain’s top sports court on Monday dismissed Real Madrid’s appeal against its exclusion from the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player.

The Administrative Court of Sport said on Monday it has “analysed all the parties’ arguments” and ruled to “dismiss Real Madrid’s appeal” for fielding an “improper lineup.”

Real had submitted the appeal to the court of the sport after they were expelled from the competition for fielding Denis Cheryshev in a first-leg 3-1 win over Cadiz on December 2 in the opening round.

Cheryshev was carrying a one-match suspension for yellow cards received last season while on loan at Villarreal, a fact that Madrid seemed unaware of until halftime in the Cadiz match.

Madrid can still appeal against the verdict but would need to take the case to Spain’s normal law courts.

Real, third in La Liga behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, last won the Copa del Rey in 2014.

Cadiz CF have been drawn to play Celta Vigo in the round of 16, with the tie scheduled to be played in January.