Extreme referee Jesús Gil Manzano is set to whistle the opening leg of the semi finals on Wednesday, guiding the Costa del Rey clash between Osasuna and Athletic. The match follows a recent Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabéu that finished in a draw after a controversial performance that drew scrutiny from fans and clubs alike.
The Technical Referees Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation announced the appointments for the first leg of this penultimate cup round. Santiago Jaime Latre will join Gil Manzano as the VAR for the duel at El Sadar, ensuring video review support on the night.
For the classic fixture in the cup, the delegation led by Luis Medina Cantalejo will oversee the Bernabéu encounter on Thursday, with Jose Luis Munuera Montero in charge and Jose Luis González González serving in the VAR room to assist from upstairs.
⚖️ Referees | These are the officiating crews for Copa del Rey matches. The games will be staged on designated days. Full descriptions are provided by the organizing body, and ongoing updates are shared through official channels.
— RFEF official communications emphasize the lineup of referees for the round, aiming to ensure clarity and transparency in assignments for all participating teams and supporters.
Gil Manzano stands as one of the most respected Spanish referees on the international stage. Recent discourse from Atlético, following a decision that expelled a player for a notable incident, sparked strong reactions from their leadership and coaching staff.
Complaint from Atletico
Atlético expressed clear dissatisfaction with several decisions and the overall flow of the match, with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, Atlético’s largest shareholder and CEO, reiterating concerns about perceived bias and the persistent pressure felt by the refereeing committee. He underscored the sentiment that similar pressures have affected outcomes in past seasons and stressed the need for a calmer, more consistent environment for all clubs involved.
Marín echoed comments made by coach Diego Pablo Simeone, highlighting a desire for uniform competition methods and less fatigue induced by controversial calls. He referenced specific moments in which players appeared to escape sanctions while others faced more scrutiny, calling for greater transparency and steadiness in officiating across cup ties. The message conveyed aims to foster a sense of fair play and trust in the officiating process for both teams and fans alike.
In this context, the refereeing arrangements for the upcoming matches are viewed as a test of consistency and accountability. Supporters, players, and coaches alike are watching closely as the cup progresses toward a decisive finish, with the refereeing corps playing a central role in shaping the narrative of these high-stakes fixtures. [Citation: RFEF advisory releases and post-match statements are used here to reflect official stances and context.]