RFEF President: “We met with Real Madrid, they did not request to change the referees”

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke publicly on Friday about the impact that criticism from Real Madrid’s in-house television channel and other media outlets has had on him and his family. De Burgos Bengoetxea, who will officiate Saturday’s Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, became emotional during the press conference, recalling incidents where his family had been affected by the scrutiny.

He recounted an instance when his son came home from school in tears after classmates called De Burgos Bengoetxea a “thief,” following videos circulated by Real Madrid TV that highlighted refereeing errors against Madrid.

“We’re focusing a lot on the videos on Real Madrid Television, it’s what has the biggest repercussions, I’m not going to tell you otherwise,” De Burgos Bengoetxea said. “I’m going to tell you about situations that have happened to colleagues of mine and then you give me your evaluation because I want you to answer me.

“When one of your children goes to school and there are kids who tell him that his dad is a thief and he comes back home crying, that’s really f—ed up.

“What I do in my case is try to educate my son to tell him that his father is honourable. Above all honourable, that he makes mistakes, like any sportsperson. And that’s really f—ed up. I don’t wish it on anyone. But the day I leave here, I want my son to be proud of what his dad was and what refereeing is.

“Because refereeing has given us lots of values and there’s no right (to put us through) what we’re experiencing. Lots of male and female colleagues — not (just) professional football, because this affects our families — but above all at grassroots level. So everyone should reflect on where we want to go and what we want from sport and football. I’d simply like you to know that.”

Following the news conference, there were reports suggesting that Real Madrid was considering withdrawing from the final. However, the club later released a statement clarifying that they had no intention of pulling out.

In their statement, Madrid said:

“Real Madrid C. F. considers unacceptable the public statements made today by the referees appointed for the Copa del Rey Final to be held tomorrow 26 April 2025.

“These statements, which have surprisingly placed in the spotlight videos made by a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Realmadrid TV, made in a premeditated manner 24 hours ahead of the final against one of its participants, demonstrate, once again, these referees clear and manifest animosity and hostility towards Real Madrid.

“Statements that are even more surprising, using a threatening tone, alluding to the unity of the referees, to announce supposed measures or actions that are far removed from the principles of fairness, objectivity and impartiality that should prevail just hours before a football event that will draw the attention of hundreds of millions of people around the world.

“In view of the seriousness of events, Real Madrid hopes that those in charge of the RFEF (Spanish Football Association) and the refereeing profession will act accordingly, taking the corresponding measures in defence of the honour of the institutions they represent.”

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) stated that no formal request had been made to alter the officiating team from Real Madrid.

Madrid also canceled a scheduled press conference with Carlo Ancelotti and a player, and chose not to attend official pre-match events organized by the RFEF, including the formal dinner with representatives from Barcelona and local authorities.

Speaking to Cadena SER, RFEF president Rafael Louzán confirmed that he had a conversation with Real Madrid’s director general, José Ángel Sánchez. Louzán said the discussion was cordial and that no request to replace the referees was made.

“It was a very friendly conversation of 40 minutes,” Louzán said. “A request to change the refs was not put on the table. There was some talk about this, but we were both very honest. The CTA (Technical Committee of Referees) designated a refereeing team and that’s that.”

“I spoke with Real Madrid to tell them they had to take part. Many bodies were involved, like the Andalusian government, the Seville city hall. They did not agree. We all have better moments and sometimes take decisions which each of us has to judge for themselves. The most important thing is we have a great game tomorrow.”

Louzán further emphasized the autonomy of the CTA in referee appointments, stating:

“The appointment? That’s a matter for the CTA. The RFEF operates autonomously. The CTA has appointed a refereeing team and that’s it (...) The Real Madrid statement? I haven’t even had time to read it. I think we’ll see a great match this Saturday. There are thousands of people eager to watch this match in Seville and also on television. That’s all I have to say. We’re going to enjoy this evening.”

He confirmed that there would be no changes to the officiating team regardless of any external statements.

The RFEF has been holding pre-match referee news conferences for Copa del Rey finals in recent years, aiming to bring more transparency to officiating decisions in an era where referees are under increased scrutiny through social media and television analysis.

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