REAL MALLORCA CUP STALEMATE

THE decision over what stadium will host the Copa del Rey final between Real Mallorca and Recreativo Huelva was postponed again yesterday, although the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said they would announce something as soon as possible. Both finalists failed to agree on a site for the June 28 final after RFEF president Angel María Villar met with Mallorca president Mateu Alemany and Huelva president Francisco Mendonza yesterday. Mallorca are pushing for a Barcelona or Valencia final, while Huelva are adamant on a Seville show-down. Villar yesterday categorically denied rumours there would be a two-legged final to keep both teams happy. Despite the stalemate Alemany was standing firm yesterday. “No one can find a city to host the match that will suit both sets of fans. The fact Mallorca is an island is the most complicated aspect. “The problem for ourselves is logistical. If there is no port then our fans are limited to travelling by aeroplane.” Alemany added that only around 5'000 fans would travel to the final if they were restricted to airlines as opposed to the 15'000 he predicted would travel to Barcelona or Valencia. “The federation has a difficult decision to make, but we're sure they have the sense to find the best solution.” Mallorca, meanwhile, moved up a place to 12th in the league after Sunday's dismal 0-0 draw at Osasuna but now find themselves only three points above the relegation zone. Other than an amazing, and quite laughable, open goal miss by Osasuna's Alfredo in the second-half there was hardly anything of note during the whole 90 minutes. It was, however, the Islanders' first clean sheet in 19 league outings and Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano did manage to find something positive from the game. “This point is very valuable after the three points we got against Betis last week. “It has lifted a weight off our shoulders because we have gone half a season conceding goals and we haven't conceded one today – that was also an objective.”