Referees rarely have free time, yet their voices and thoughts have echoed through organizations like the Cup and the Super Cup for years. In this atmosphere, the Negreira case has become a focal point, shaping conversations about the profession. César Soto Grado, who will oversee VAR in the classic final, speaks with a sense of urgency about the labels he has carried because of issues tied to payments reported by a former vice president of the Referee Technical Committee.
They can’t treat us all as if we were corrupt
There is fatigue among officials. Picture this: one corrupt person in the media and suddenly the entire group is painted with the same brush. The Negreira case amplified that perception, harming the reputation of many within the Spanish arbitration system. A veteran referee who spent eleven years at the top levels recalled unsettling moments: 30-second conversations here and there, fleeting exchanges that left a mark. He noted that much of the committee’s leadership came from two longtime figures, Díaz Veiga and Sánchez Arminio, a point echoed by Juan Martínez Munuera, who leads the final as chief referee.
Members report feeling scrutinized in everyday life, even in places as ordinary as the supermarket, where whispers of corruption follow them. Both Martínez Munuera and Soto Grado hope for a swift court ruling and for accountability where due. They insist that the whole CTA group should not be branded as corrupt based on a few allegations. The on-field referee for the final emphasized that this has been the toughest moment for the group, as their integrity has been questioned repeatedly.
I want this to be resolved at a professional level
The brother of Martínez Munuera, Miguel Martínez Munuera, who serves as a LaLiga assistant, revealed to the Civil Guard that his sibling allegedly provided coaching services to Javier Enríquez Romero, the son of José María Enríquez Negreira. In the match preceding the Super Cup final, the referee said he was unaware of this information, explaining that he isolates himself before such important matches. He also noted that he was at the Women’s World Cup in Sydney during the period in question.
When the verdict is issued, Martínez Munuera pledged to answer all questions about Enríquez Negreira. He stated that he would respond calmly and that he believed he had committed no unlawful acts. He expressed a desire to have the matter resolved professionally and to avoid being subjected to abuse in everyday life. He stressed the need for a transparent conclusion and asked for the situation to be settled promptly.
From a sporting angle, Martínez Munuera recognizes that the upcoming game carries added responsibility, yet he does not view that as a surprise. The referee, who hails from Alicante, first made a mark in the classic clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona, including a notable 3–1 win for Real Madrid at Camp Nou during the 2019/2020 season. Subsequent meetings saw Barcelona prevail 4–0 at the Bernabéu, and last season’s encounter finished 4–0 again, with the cup final tipping the balance toward Real Madrid.