LaLiga referees to give post-match interviews for the first time
The Technical Committee of Referees is launching a pilot project allowing officials to explain their decisions to the media immediately after matches.
Spain's Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) has announced a significant change to its communication protocols. Starting this matchday, referees in the First Division will be permitted to conduct interviews following LaLiga matches, a measure designed to provide greater transparency regarding on-field decisions.
The decision was communicated by CTA president Fran Soto and will begin with a pilot phase this weekend. In this initial stage, only two league matches will feature post-match statements from the officials, with the results to be evaluated before considering a wider implementation for the remainder of the season.
The format will allow referees to speak to rights-holding broadcasters immediately after the final whistle. These sessions will be conducted pitch-side in a format similar to pre-match "flash interviews." During these segments, officials will have the opportunity to clarify specific decisions, particularly those that generated controversy during the 90 minutes of play.
This initiative marks a departure from traditional practices in Spanish football, where referees have historically refrained from making public statements immediately after officiating a match. The CTA aims to bridge the gap between officials and supporters, facilitating a better understanding of the criteria used by judges during game-changing moments.