Real Madrid lose appeal against Copa del Rey expulsion
Real Madrid have lost their appeal against expulsion from the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player, the Spanish Football Federation has announced.
Madrid were thrown out of the competition after Denis Cheryshev appeared - and scored the opening goal - in their 3-1 first-leg win over Cadiz on December 2 when the Russia international should have been serving a suspension. Cheryshev received three yellow cards while playing for Villarreal in the competition last season.
Madrid had appealed against the decision to award victory in the tie to Cadiz, insisting they had not been informed of the suspension. Madrid substituted Cheryshev at half-time, with head coach Rafael Benitez saying the move had been as soon as the mistake was made to "show good faith".
A ruling posted on the RFEF website on Thursday said Madrid's appeal had been rejected.
