“Accuracy and impartiality”
The season has proven challenging for the refereeing team. The clearest sign is the criticism it has faced—claims of limited freedom of expression voiced by managers Carlo Ancelotti and Xavi Hernandez, leaders of the two largest clubs in La Liga. Celta’s Rafa Benítez, who felt he was among the most affected, did not attend a joint meeting from the two groups. Yet the referees have benefited from the training conducted during the first half of the season.
“Accuracy and impartiality”
Those involved argued that the season has not been marked by a systemic bias. It was stated that only two wrong calls were perceived in the early stages of the season, with the rest functioning well in the areas of play. They highlighted the staff’s performance as satisfactory for a variety of reasons, including the level of success and fairness observed. This is supported by available statistics. The remarks came from Luis Medina Cantalejo, the president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), who appeared with Carlos Clos Gómez, director of the VAR project, and Alberto Undiano Mallenco from the CTA technical commission. Citation: CTA leadership and VAR leadership presentations, as reported.
Medina Cantalejo noted that referees faced hostility from some players, describing a difficult working environment in which consultants can be challenged during discussions of incidents. He clarified that there is no psychological issue within the team, despite discussions that referred to terms defined by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) to describe sustained harassment in the workplace. This clarification came amid questions about the pressures attached to refereeing at the highest levels. The message emphasized resilience rather than weakness among officials. Citation: Commentary on workplace pressure and RAE terminology, per CTA statements.
VAR sounds
In this context, Medina Cantalejo expanded on the criticisms that accompanied the refereeing process, noting that video productions by Real Madrid Television sometimes preceded meetings. He described periods of harsh public critique and argued that pressure on referees intensified during these moments. He stressed that referees already face complex tasks and should not endure unnecessary pressure. Citation: Observations on media pressure and referee workload, as reported.
Judge in Rubiales case summons Jenni Hermoso to testify on November 28
In normative terms, the CTA held discussions with La Liga technicians to allow public access to referee conversations with VAR. The CTA’s leadership stated that arrangements would enable audiences to hear referees’ discussions with VAR to better understand on-field decisions and the interpretation of matches. Citation: CTA statements regarding transparency in referee-VAR communications.
Rubiales case and Negreira case
The football world has also grappled with two major investigations. On one side, the Rubiales case raised questions about political commentary from referees. Officials asserted that their duty is to discuss penalties rather than engage in political discourse, and that leadership transitions were handled in a straightforward manner. Citation: Referee responses to the Rubiales case as recorded by CTA.
Judge in Rubiales case summons Jenni Hermoso to testify on November 28
The Negreira case additionally surprised the group, with officials providing all available information to the judiciary and hoping for a timely resolution aligned with justice. The concern was that the matter has caused significant damage to refereeing and, more broadly, to Spanish football. The CTA leadership expressed a wish for a speedy and fair outcome that minimizes harm to the sport. Citation: CTA reflections on the Negreira case and impact on football governance.
The ‘secret’ room and Ortiz Arias
Asked about the VOR room, previously criticized as secret, the referees president explained that comprehensive training is provided. There is no hidden network or tunnels linking facilities; everything is openly demonstrated. An additional simulation room upstairs is described as a resource for training and game preparation rather than a secretive space. The aim is to improve performance in matches, nothing more. Citation: Clarifications about the VOR room and training facilities.
Regarding statements by Girona player David López accusing referee Ortiz Arias of insults (a claim later withdrawn), Medina Cantalejo emphasized that his prior remarks were directed toward maintaining calm and ensuring proper conduct. He noted that if the accusation were true, Ortiz Arias would not be on the CTA roster. The reaction was portrayed as a misinterpretation that was promptly addressed. Citation: Reactions to the Ortiz Arias incident and club communications.