The RFEF Takes 'the First Step' Towards Refereeing System Reform Demanded by Madrid

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) took 'the first step' on Wednesday, as described by its president, Rafael Louzán, towards the reform of the refereeing system demanded by Real Madrid, which is expected to be implemented next season. After boycotting the summit held on February 6th during a conflict with referees, the RFEF and LaLiga, Real Madrid, which calls for complete independence in refereeing, participated for the first time as a guest in a meeting at the City of Football in Las Rozas, attended by all professional clubs and the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) chaired by Luis Medina Cantalejo.

"For the first time in history, Spanish football as a whole came together on Wednesday to collectively seek improvements to the refereeing system through a consensual reform," the RFEF celebrated through its official channels, while its new president thanked Real Madrid for their presence, "to move in the same direction." "Madrid (represented by its general director, José Ángel Sánchez) conducted an analysis of the current model, which I partly agree with, although there are areas where we do not fully align," Louzán acknowledged, confident that all football stakeholders will reach "significant agreements while seated at the same table."

Louzán admitted that "it is necessary to achieve consensus on the future refereeing model" and announced changes to the federation's regulations to achieve this goal, in addition to required amendments to the Sports Law. "Both the English and German models were mentioned, and we need to determine which is best, as each has its nuances and none are perfect," the Galician leader highlighted. "We are still at the starting point, but we advocate for transparency," proclaimed the RFEF's top official following complaints from Real Madrid, who feel targeted by referees and allege "competition manipulation."

The head of referees also emphasized "transparency towards the outside." "We have adopted a positive attitude to begin working and have not addressed any specific club," clarified Medina Cantalejo, following the incendiary letter sent by Real Madrid to the RFEF and the Higher Sports Council (CSD) and continuous attacks on referees by their official television. "It has not been a matter of criticism, but rather a proposal to improve transparency regarding referee appointments and the issue of promotions and demotions, with an information committee on the criteria used," stressed the CTA president.

A second meeting of the so-called Refereeing Commission, created by the RFEF, is scheduled for the 26th to continue analyzing all proposals. "It must be acknowledged that some things need to be done differently. Until now, we have operated in an opaque system, and from now on, it will not be so," Louzán assured.