Spanish FA appeal committee upholds decision to kick Real Madrid out of the Cup

The Appeals Committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Thursday rejected Real Madrid's appeal over their expulsion from the Kings Cup knockout competition for fielding an ineligible player.

Real Madrid were kicked out of the competition last week after including Denis Cheryshev in their starting 11 in their 3-1 win away to Cadiz when Cheryshev was suspended as the result of being shown three yellow cards in last season's competition.

The club had alleged that the rules stated the player had to be informed directly of his suspension, but the Spanish FA rejected that, stating the rules clearly state it is enough for them to inform the player in question's club of any suspension, adding a list of suspended players had been sent to clubs in July, and the names were also visible on their website if anyone wanted to look.

Club President, Florentino Perez even held a press conference to assure that "nobody" at Real Madrid had committed any error and that the club would appeal the decision.

The finding of the Appeals Committee completely backs up the RFEF's original decision and Real Madrid, who have continued to sell tickets for the second leg of their Cup tie which is due to be played next week, will appeal to the Administrative Sports Tribunal, who sit on Friday. Endit