Real Madrid's refereeing controversy has taken another turn after an unusual detail emerged from the opening four matchdays of the 2026/27 La Liga season.

Three of the four referees appointed to officiate Real Madrid matches so far are reportedly involved in an ongoing dispute with the club through the Spanish Association of Football Referees (AESAF), an organisation they helped found.

The situation has drawn comparisons with an obvious conflict of interest. Imagine being involved in a legal dispute with a neighbour who happens to be a judge, only to arrive in court and find that same person presiding over your case. In such circumstances, questions over impartiality would inevitably arise.

Real Madrid's first four league matches were officiated by Mateo Busquets Ferrer, José María Sánchez Martínez, Juan Martínez Munuera and Alejandro Hernández Hernández. Of those four, Sánchez Martínez, Martínez Munuera and Hernández Hernández are listed among the promoters and founders of AESAF, according to the organisation's official registration.

AESAF filed complaints in May 2026 against Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid TV and Real Madrid itself. The association also requested disciplinary proceedings against the club's president over comments concerning the refereeing establishment.

Despite this ongoing dispute, the same three referees have been appointed to officiate Real Madrid matches during the opening four matchdays of the season.

The appointments are made by the Professional Competition Arbitration Committee, which consists of CTA president Fran Soto, La Liga representative Gregorio Manzano and Fernando Teixeira Vitienes. While an artificial intelligence system reportedly assists by suggesting potential appointments, the final decisions rest with the three members of the committee.

Mateo Busquets Ferrer is the only referee among those appointed for Real Madrid's first four matches who is not listed among the founders of AESAF. The other three were part of the group of referees involved in establishing the association.

Those close to Real Madrid reportedly believe the repeated appointments raise serious questions about the appearance of impartiality, given the ongoing dispute between the club and the referees' association. The CTA has not publicly explained why referees linked to an organisation involved in complaints against Real Madrid have continued to officiate the club's matches.

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