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The Spanish Football Referee Association (AESAF) strongly condemns the recent public statements made by Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez, arguing that they cause serious damage to the reputation of the refereeing collective and Spanish football.

• The Spanish refereeing collective operates based on independence, rigor, and professionalism, and is not involved in any conspiracy or collusion tied to the interests of any club or management. • Throughout the investigation period of the so-called 'Negreira Case,' no referee has been investigated or charged. Allegations of corruption against referees cannot be deemed valid. • Generalized accusations against referees unfairly damage the honor of professionals who perform their duties under extreme pressure and constant public scrutiny, as well as the fairness of the game itself. • Refereeing decisions should not be used as an excuse to justify match outcomes. Wins and losses in football are decided on the pitch. • AESAF expresses its support for our colleague Pablo González Fuertes and all referees across Spain. Their professional and personal efforts deserve institutional and social respect. We resolutely reject all attempts to attack the refereeing collective without foundation or publicly undermine their credibility.

The allegations of threats raised during the press conference for the 2024-25 Copa del Rey final are untrue and, at the very least, are false claims.

• AESAF warns that all public statements emanating from influential positions directly impact the culture of football and refereeing, leading, directly or indirectly, to violence and attacks against referees at all levels of play. • AESAF has maintained an open, receptive, and constructive dialogue with representatives of professional clubs for several months, working to improve the competition based on refereeing fairness.

AESAF reiterates that the refereeing system is a critical element in ensuring the fairness and equity of the competition. Linking the entire refereeing collective to a specific scandal without judicial basis or concrete evidence undermines confidence in the system and harms Spanish football as a whole. Furthermore, the statements made by the match referees during the press conference for the 2024-25 Copa del Rey final were intended to convey that violence against referees and their families has reached unacceptable levels across all categories of Spanish football, and that this situation was among the reasons why referees formed this union. As can be seen in the video, no threats were made against any club, contrary to the claims made by Real Madrid. The fact that this club continues to make claims detached from reality, potentially fostering an unsportsmanlike atmosphere in Spanish football, is a very serious issue. Regarding the Negreira case, AESAF fully respects the work of the judicial authorities and emphasizes that the proceedings are still ongoing. Throughout the investigation process to date, there have been no indictments or investigations involving referees, making it essential to uphold the presumption of innocence and avoid statements that could mislead public opinion. Furthermore, claims that referees make decisions favoring certain clubs, or by extension, make decisions to disadvantage other clubs, are extremely serious. Such statements create an environment detrimental to the normal conduct of the competition. AESAF is particularly concerned about the instrumentalization of refereeing decisions as a means to explain sporting situations. As mentioned by RFEF President Rafael Luján, clubs should not blame referees for match results, nor should they use referee decisions as external excuses. We appreciate the messages of support we have received from the RFEF, La Liga, AFE (Players' Association), clubs, players, and coaches, and we welcome them being made public. We believe that through solidarity, we can improve the competition and restore the reputation it deserves. AESAF also believes it is necessary to remind everyone that public statements by influential figures, clubs, or leaders do not occur in a vacuum; they have an immediate repercussions on society and the overall football culture. Statements based on distrust and the delegitimization of referees are ultimately contagious, spreading to the pitch, the stands, and youth football, resulting in the unfortunate expression of insults, threats, and physical attacks against referees. AESAF confirms that this phenomenon is occurring across all categories, from youth football to the professional stage, regardless of age. Therefore, the association emphasizes the need for institutional responsibility and exemplary leadership from all stakeholders in the football community to stop this vicious cycle that threatens the physical, psychological, and reputational safety of those who ensure the fair running of the competition. We actively support the measures currently being pursued by the RFEF with institutions and authorities to protect the authority of referees. Finally, AESAF has been participating in the ‘Referee System Reform Committee’ led by the RFEF for several months, engaging in continuous dialogue with representatives of professional clubs, listening to proposals, and analyzing concerns. We emphasize that we are working in a critical and constructive manner with the goal of strengthening Spanish football through fair, professional, and transparent refereeing. Real Madrid was absent from the latest meeting of this committee. AESAF continues to work collaboratively with the RFEF, La Liga, and international organizations for the education, professionalization, and continuous improvement of the refereeing collective. Tools such as VAR and the application of review protocols contribute to enhancing transparency and reducing the margin for human error inherent in all sports. AESAF reaffirms our commitment to the overall protection of the refereeing collective and the defense of their dignity and professionalism. We demand institutional responsibility, respect, and exemplary leadership for those who guarantee the fairness of the competition. AESAF rejects unfounded accusations and once again emphasizes our commitment to the independence, transparency, and continuous improvement of the Spanish refereeing system. Football needs a responsible system that promotes credibility and respect, not statements that undermine trust and incite confrontation. AESAF is a legitimate union and association-type organization officially registered in June 2025. The mission of this association is to protect and support the Spanish refereeing collective, ensuring legal protection, welfare, education, and institutional representation. “Together we are stronger.”