Real Madrid lose final appeal over Spanish Cup expulsion
Real Madrid lost their appeal against being kicked out of the Copa del Rey on Monday but said they would still fight the decision even if the country's Administrative Tribunal for Sport (TAD) insisted it was final.
The Spanish giants were thrown out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player, Denys Cheryshev, in their tie against third-tier side Cadiz earlier this month.
Cheryshev not only started the match but also opened the scoring in Madrid's 3-1 win.
But he shouldn't have been on the field as he was due to serve a one-match ban in the cup after picking up three yellow cards whilst on loan at Villarreal last season.
"The club respects, but does not share this resolution by the Tribunal," Real said in a brief statement.
Real said that they would still pursue the matter in the courts and "other possible legal avenues are being examined".
However, TAD defended its decision.
"Each club is responsible for verifying if their players are eligible for selection," said the committee.
TAD added that a register exists which lists all ineligible players and the sanctions available.
"Real Madrid know of the existence of this register and did not consult it. So they are liable for this omission."