Spanish football clubs support relief efforts after deadly floods

Spanish football clubs on Friday joined the relief operation to help rebuild eastern parts of the country around Valencia, where at least 158 people died in flash floods.

Rescue teams continued the search on Friday for victims and survivors missing since a year's worth of rain fell in eight hours on Tuesday, destroying bridges and cutting off road and rail links.

"Unfortunately there are dead bodies in some vehicles, transport minister Oscar Puente said.

"Dozens and dozens are missing," added Angel Victor Torres, minister in charge of cooperation with Spain's regions. "They, unfortunately, could add to the total of 158 dead."

Spanish football chiefs said games taking place this weekend would publicise a Red Cross fundraising campaign over the public address systems.

"Spain's professional football joins the condolences and expresses its solidarity with the families of the victims and the missing," La Liga said in a statement.

Real Madrid, which came under fire for poor sportsmanship for boycotting the Ballon d'Or award ceremony in Paris on Monday night, announced it would offer one million euros to the Red Cross.

"Real Madrid has decided to support this campaign to help the many families who are in a critical situation and need all our help and solidarity," Madrid said in a statement.

Spanish football authorities postponed seven midweek ties in the annual Copa del Rey competition.

Six-time world champion Marc Marquez said funds needed to go to people devastated by floods instead of being spent on repairs for the event.

Read more on RFI English

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