In the ongoing Negreira case, the CTA chairman stated a clear warning: “If anyone is involved, they should be made to answer.”
Luis Medina Cantalejo, who leads the Technical Committee of Referees, addressed the media on Wednesday to assess refereeing performance and to provide a season-wide verdict after the first third of the campaign. He noted a sense of vigilance about the season’s development while offering a balanced evaluation of the referees’ work.
Medina Cantalejo expressed strong satisfaction with how the Spanish officials have performed and cautioned against pressuring referees before matches. His remarks followed Real Madrid TV broadcasts this season showing footage of a referee referring to Castilla. He emphasized that the referees should not be subjected to pre-match pressure and reiterated the committee’s commitment to fair and transparent procedures.
On the Negreira case specifically, the former referee underscored that accountability must be enforced. He stated, whoever is found to have acted improperly must face the consequences, whether affiliated with the Negreira family, Barcelona, or any other party. If a judge identifies individuals by name, the proper penalties should follow.
Medina Cantalejo’s most notable remarks
Balance: “Last year we described the season as challenging. We recognized room for improvement in refereeing performances. This year, from an impartial standpoint and backed by statistics, the performance of the referees is solid. Penalties have been fewer and aligned with the instructions given. The approach of not sanctioning minor issues has been upheld. Of course, there have been mistakes. Anyone who claims that hand incidents dominated this season is not accurately following the competition. I can recall only a couple of clear cases of hand signals, both on the field and in VAR. Overall, the trajectory is positive.”
Protests: “There has been more protest from players and fewer from coaches. We cannot yet fully explain the shift. There is a trend toward players trying to accompany the referee to the VAR. Warnings for players have increased.”
Expulsions for serious foul play: “Last year drew heavy criticism. This season the pace is higher in the Premier League because injuries have risen. The primary duty of the referee is to protect players.”
Meeting with technicians: “That gathering was a constructive exchange with the coaches. I assured them that the whole staff would attend, and they did. It felt like a step forward when the fourth officials explained the review process. If the coach behaves properly, he will be informed about what is happening and judgments will be explained. Even when there is doubt about a late decision, proper assistance from the referee is provided. Mutual respect goes a long way. Spanish referees hold coaches in high regard, a sentiment rooted from early training. More meetings are planned. It was positive and informative, though disagreements remain.”
Videos from Real Madrid TV: “Criticism is nothing new, but pressuring referees before matches is not productive. All referees have been photographed, including those who officiated Castilla in the lower divisions. That practice is not acceptable. Referees are prepared. If there is a conflict, the appropriate channels exist to discuss how the VAR functions. Ethics and respect should guide every action.”
Lack of self-criticism: “Last season was not up to standard. I admitted that, and I stand by my assessment. The current level is solid. If I were to judge my job by comments alone, I’d have a psychological problem. Our referees are performing well. Just as attackers miss chances and midfielders get sent off, no one is perfect.”
Accusations about a secret room: “We launched a project with you present and LaLiga officials attended. If anyone suspects a hidden room where punishments are imposed, that idea is incorrect. There is no hidden facility.”
VAR and its audio: “We have studied the system and even proposed live audio during reviews. Yet IFAB rules restrict live playback to training contexts. There is now broader discussion with LaLiga to explore options where the audio could be available in appropriate settings and clarified circumstances could be explained. Since Pedro Rocha led the Management Committee, there has been a push to improve the image of arbitration. Many peripheral issues remain, but this is a pathway forward.”
Ladies referees: “Last year faced intense criticism as female referees sought economic stability and fair salaries. The progress of women referees has been remarkable, thanks in part to Yolanda Praga.”
The Luis Rubiales Assembly and applause: “This period was extremely difficult in this house. I was in Sydney. During the General Assembly, a preliminary meeting of territorial presidents raised questions about the event. There was a strong sentiment that Rubiales might step down. After that moment, a sense of uncertainty lingered. It is not my role to voice political opinions, but I have kept discussion channels open with Rocha and have offered my position to assist. I remain involved and present.”
Accusations from the judge in the Negreira Case suggesting possible corruption among referees: “The revelation of the case came as a shock. We have supplied all information requested by the Public Prosecution. We respect Judge Aguirre’s orders, but the allegations are not shared by us. What matters is a swift, thorough resolution. Whoever acted wrongfully must face penalties, whether connected to the Negreira family, Barcelona, or others named by the judge. Our referees are protected, but there are those at higher levels who bear the burden of the allegations. It is crucial that those responsible are identified and held accountable.”
Public remarks from David López: “I’m not evaluating behavior here. When the player spoke, I contacted Alberto and Carlos to verify whether there was disrespect. It appeared rehearsed. If a referee is insulted, he is removed. If that insult happens, Ortiz Arias would not be part of the refereeing team.”
Post-match referees’ press conference: “No, the referee does not appear after the match. They are not treated the same way as players.”
Florentino Pérez urging arbitration reform: “Respect for all. Partners will be satisfied with what was said in the Assembly, but I doubt it is wise if arbitration requires government intervention. Does that mean they will be replaced? That remains unclear.”
Florentino’s questions about line decisions: “There is a Clos Gómez video on YouTube explaining it. The semi-automatic system will arrive soon and should sharpen decisions.”
Absence of Rafa Benítez and Carlo Ancelotti at coaches’ meeting: “Ask them. We were invited and attended. It was a good chance to discuss. I have a solid relationship with Benítez. It’s easy to understand why they might be upset. It was a productive moment to be there. If Ancelotti preferred not to attend, he will have his reasons.”
Source: Goal