The Spanish cup competition keeps it's format once again for the fourth year running.

The two earlier rounds are played over one leg at the ground of the lesser division side, with all first division teams entering the competition from the first round together with second division A teams and winners from a preliminary round involving the top teams from second division B and the third division.

First division teams are seeded in the first two rounds, and clubs competing in European competitions are seeded from the last 16 stage.

The first two rounds are regionalized , with clubs first of all being sorted into four geographical sections before the draw is made.

With the Euro 2004 championships due to take place in June, the cup final will take place in March at a ground to be decided later in the season.