The Valencian club asked on Monday for a further postponement of their Copa del Rey match against amateurs Parla Escuela, rescheduled for Wednesday after violent floods that caused at least 217 deaths last week in southern Spain.
“Valencia CF asked the Spanish Football Federation this morning to postpone the match against CP Parla Escuela-Fair Play, valid for the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey 2024, which would have been played on Wednesday 6 November at 7:00:00 at Las Americas stadium (Madrid region),” the club said in a statement.
The Spanish team “understands that in this moment of great difficulty, all energy, attention and support must be concentrated on helping the people affected by the tragic DANA event (the name given to the atmospheric depression at the origin of the floods , ed.)” and believes that “football is relegated to the background”.
“We would like to send our most sincere condolences and our affection to the families, loved ones of the deceased and the victims of this disaster which leaves us devastated,” added the Valencian club, whose La Liga match against Real Madrid was postponed. .
Several La Liga coaches and players felt this weekend that the league matches should not have been played in tribute to the victims, in particular Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone, for whom “it made no sense” to keep this matchday championship.
La Liga president Javier Tebas responded that “the best message” is “not to stop, except in the affected areas”, sharing a number to call for Red Cross donations. Several clubs provided support to the affected regions through food collections and essential materials.
Real Madrid made a donation of one million euros and Barcelona announced that it will auction the shirts worn by its players in the Catalan derby against Espanyol on Sunday (3-1) to raise funds.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sports Analyst on Valencia CF’s Request for Copa del Rey Postponement
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our segment on current sports events. Today, we’re diving into a compelling situation surrounding Valencia CF’s request to postpone their Copa del Rey match against Parla Escuela due to recent tragic flooding in southern Spain. Joining me is sports analyst, Carla Torres. Carla, thank you for being here.
Carla Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time in Spanish football, and this situation really highlights some important issues.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Valencia CF made their request following devastating floods that unfortunately led to at least 217 fatalities. Can you share what you think influenced their decision to ask for this postponement?
Carla Torres: Certainly. Valencia CF’s decision reflects a profound understanding of the current atmosphere in the region. When a community suffers such immense loss, the focus should rightfully be on recovery and support rather than competitive sports. They want to show solidarity with the affected communities and prioritize human life over the game.
Time.news Editor: That’s a poignant point. It must be difficult for players and fans alike to switch to a competitive mindset under these circumstances. How might this affect the team’s morale and the emotional climate around the match?
Carla Torres: Well, the emotional toll is significant. On one hand, athletes are trained to perform regardless of external pressures; but on the other, they are also human beings who might feel conflicted about playing during such a tragedy. For Valencia, delaying the match can ease that burden and perhaps foster a sense of unity among players, fans, and the wider community.
Time.news Editor: Unity is key, especially in times like these. The match was originally scheduled for November 6th at Las Americas Stadium. What implications do you see for the scheduling and logistics moving forward if the match is postponed?
Carla Torres: Logistically, it complicates things. The Copa del Rey has a packed schedule, and rescheduling can pose challenges for both teams. However, it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of the players and those impacted by the floods. The Spanish football authorities will need to cooperate with clubs to find a suitable new date that considers everyone’s situation.
Time.news Editor: Given the scale of the tragedy, how do you think the football community as a whole, including fans and clubs, should respond?
Carla Torres: This is an opportunity for unity and support. Clubs can organize fundraisers, fans can contribute to relief efforts, and players can use their platforms to raise awareness for those affected. It’s about more than just a game; it’s a chance to come together and reinforce the idea that communities can heal collectively.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful message. As we wrap up, what long-term effects do you anticipate this kind of incident will have on sports culture in Spain?
Carla Torres: I believe it will foster a stronger sense of empathy and responsibility within sports culture. Incidents like this remind everyone that life goes beyond competition. In the long run, we might see more instances where clubs take social responsibility into account when making decisions, impacting how both fans and players engage with the sport.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Carla. It’s clear that while football is a significant part of many lives, human connection and community support remain paramount. We hope that those affected by the floods find strength in their recovery. Thank you again for your insights today.
Carla Torres: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a quick recovery for the impacted areas and a thoughtful response from the wider football community.