Controversy over the internationals that clash with the Copa del Rey quarter-finals

The quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey are set to see a number of teams lose players due to World Cup Qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Real Madrid are the worst affected team with five players away on duty in South America while Real Betis have three players away as the second-most affected team.

Brazil play on January 27 against Ecuador, then face Paraguay five days later, meaning Los Blancos will be without Casemiro, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr. and Eder Militao, while Federico Valverde will be representing Uruguay.

The quintet are due to return to Spain on the day of their Copa del Rey quarter-final - February 2 - but they are not likely to be risked on the night.

The South American World Cup Qualifiers simply can't be played any other time however and clubs will simply have to deal with the absences.

Things aren't helped by the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations but at least every team has the same parameters in place so there can be no claims of preferential treatment.

"I understand the complaints," said Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), "This calendar was not negotiated.

"It was raised to the Supreme Sports Council (CSD) and they made the decision. We tried to negotiate by highlighting situations like this, but there was no possibility. We accepted it. Hopefully in another season we can sit down and these types of moments can be sort out."