As even the Bernabéu higher-ups expected, the RFEF's Appeals Committee has dismissed Real Madrid's case against their expulsion from the Copa del Rey for fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev against Cádiz.

'Los Blancos' were quick to signal their intention to appeal after the RFEF's Competition Committee judge decided that they should be thrown out of the cup for including Cheryshev in their line-up for their last-32 first leg. To add insult to injury, the Russian, who was banned because of the yellow cards he picked up in the competition for Villarreal last term, opened the scoring at the Estadio Ramón de Carranza, before being substituted at half-time when the club realised its mistake.

Real Madrid are now left pinning their hopes on the Spanish Sports Tribunal (TAD), who will meet and rule on the matter on Friday morning.

The 'Merengues' remain convinced that they have been dealt an injustice, arguing that Cheryshev should not have been deemed ineligible because he was not personally notified of his suspension.

Given their confidence that they will be vindicated, Real Madrid have kept selling tickets for the second leg against Cádiz, which is scheduled to be played next Wednesday, 16th December. Indeed, the fixture was publicised on the screens at the Bernabéu after the 8-0 thrashing of Malmö, in spite of the fact that the RFEF haven't even assigned a referee to the game.

Considering this backdrop, it is unsurprising that the uptake for the match has not been as big as normal, since fans are understandably concerned that it will not go ahead despite the club's bullishness.


Read more: Real Madrid: Appeals Committee upholds Real Madrid's cup disqualification - MARCA.com (English version)[b][/b]