Spanish Football takes bold step to protect referees

The Professional Competition Refereeing Committee (CACP) has confirmed that referee selections for Spain’s First and Second Division matches will now be published just one day before each game.

Reducing Pressure Campaigns

The move aims to minimize the days-long pressure campaigns often directed at referees ahead of high-profile matches. Such tactics have notably been employed by Real Madrid’s television channel, which has aired controversial reports when appointed referees were perceived as unfriendly to the club.

New Referee Announcement Policy

Under the new system, referee teams for Friday fixtures will be announced on Thursday, Saturday’s referees on Friday, and so forth, with all announcements made before 4:00 p.m. the day prior to the match.

LaLiga confirmed that this measure is one of several reforms to the refereeing system adopted this season by all parties in Spanish football, affecting both LaLiga EA Sports and La Liga Hypermotion competitions.