The RFEF has recently focused on improving the independence , transparency , and professionalism of its arbitration system through the June meeting of the Technical Referees Committee (CTA). However, this initiative has faced backlash in recent days due to a series of controversial VAR incidents that have rapidly ignited debate among fans and sports analysts alike. Within a mere span of 24 hours , both Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona benefited from questionable decisions made without the aid of VAR, leading to significant criticism.
In a recent match at Vallecas, the VAR system failed to operate, compounding existing frustrations. Referee Mateu Busquets had to inform the coaches before the match that he lacked a connection to the VAR room, which was located at the city football center. Despite the absence of any technological support, the game proceeded. According to a press release from the operator Mediapro, the cause was labeled a ” Technical problem related to the electrical system “, which, by federative regulations, was not considered serious enough to delay or suspend the match. Unfortunately, without technological support, moments of controversy were inevitable.
In the 36th minute of the match, Busquets awarded a penalty kick after Lamine Yamal fell in the penalty area during a contentious encounter with Pep Chavarría . Players from Rayo Vallecano contested Busquets’ decision, arguing that he had been struck in the hip and was therefore not fouled. Without VAR intervention, there was no recourse to challenge the initial call, leading to further frustrations for the players and coaches alike.
In the aftermath of the contentious decision, Rayo’s coach, Íñigo Pérez, confronted the fourth official, decrying the absence of VAR. He expressed his outrage, stating, “Isn’t there a VAR? Isn’t there a VAR? It’s a shame!” Initially threatening to withdraw his team from the field, Pérez later apologized for his outburst but maintained that the situation was highly frustrating. “I defend my players when they fail and the referee can fail, nothing happens. What bothers me is that you can’t be playing five minutes with VAR and five minutes without VAR,” he stated, emphasizing the inconsistency.
ISI: “He told me that he assumed the error”
Adding to the discussion, referee ISI PALZE later acknowledged his mistake to the players during halftime. “He told me that he assumed the error. That honors him as a person and as a professional in the world of sport. Without VAR, it’s very difficult to arbitrate,” stated the Murcian player, acknowledging the challenges faced by officials.
Players from Barcelona also echoed their confusion regarding the situation. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong remarked, “Now it works, now it doesn’t work; then just the offside… This is not how a league should operate .” Such sentiments underline the widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of officiating, and they resonate with fans who believe that technology should enhance the fairness of the game.
The VAR system, after facing scrutiny, had its issues “restored normally” by Mediaco later in the match. However, it wasn’t just second-rate technology under the spotlight. A serious failing was also noted in a game last Saturday when Atlético de Madrid scored against Alavés . The goal was credited to Giulian , benefiting from a clearly offside position during the play. Pablo González Fuertes, who was officiating VAR that day, did not review the incident, leading to possible repercussions against him for next matches.
In summary, these two major failures of VAR in a single weekend represent significant hurdles for the newly revamped CTA. Their efforts to revitalize the officiating process included innovative measures such as pre-season gatherings with first, second, and Liga F referees, as well as announcing designations shortly before matches, similar to practices in UEFA and FIFA . Yet, the technical malfunctions accompanied by controversial decisions cast a long shadow over these reforms.