Real Madrid President Pushes for English Referees in La Liga

Rafael Louzán, president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has revealed that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has expressed a desire to bring English referees to Spain in order to improve the standard of officiating in La Liga.

Pérez has often criticized the quality of Spanish referees, even calling for urgent reforms in 2023. The club’s media outlet, Real Madrid TV, has also pointed out officiating mistakes regularly. Louzán, who was elected RFEF president in December, shared that Pérez has raised this issue with him on several occasions during their discussions.

Despite their good relationship, Louzán mentioned that Pérez is quite vocal about his grievances with referees. Pérez has reportedly emphasized the need for reforms, citing the impact refereeing errors have had on the club’s success. He has also frequently referred to the ongoing "Negreira case" and asked Louzán to address the issue, which is currently in the courts.

Louzán noted that Pérez suggested bringing in English referees, an idea that Louzán was skeptical about, questioning how such a change could be implemented. Pérez had reportedly raised this proposal before, including during last year’s Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, where he once again stressed the need for better refereeing.

Pérez has been vocal in public forums, including during a 2023 AGM, where he called for the Spanish government to intervene in improving the quality of refereeing and the use of VAR in the country. He argued that these changes are essential for restoring the credibility of Spanish football.

Louzán’s election to the RFEF presidency was controversial, as he is currently appealing a seven-year ban from holding public office due to misconduct, although this ban did not prevent him from running for the position.