Fran Soto, the newly appointed president of the Technical Committee of Referees, has already introduced significant changes to Spanish refereeing—at least within his reach. One of his guiding principles, shared by the Federation’s president, is that the best referees must always be on the pitch. However, the start of the season, marked by glaring errors, has cast doubt on who truly belongs in that category.

Normally, the new CTA reviews the performance of referees after a period of reflection and analysis. The only exception so far has been González Fuertes, who was immediately sidelined after awarding a controversial goal to Atlético against Alavés.

Every match is assessed by up to three different officials: the referee delegate at the stadium and the CTA’s technical directors, Fernández Borbalán and Turienzo Álvarez. Reports are compiled, ratings are given, and conclusions are drawn about referees’ performances. Although the current rankings remain provisional due to the small number of matches played, they are already shaping the assignments for each official.

The new CTA has also imposed measures that many referees dislike, though they are aware that transparency with the clubs is a priority. Mistakes can no longer be brushed aside; referees must accept accountability, as shown by the mandatory breaks imposed after serious errors.

Saturday’s events at Anoeta, with Huijsen’s controversial sending-off, sparked immediate alarm. The case will almost certainly be reviewed this week, and the error is expected to be officially acknowledged. Consequences are anticipated, particularly for VAR official Figueroa Vázquez, whose failure to intervene prevented Gil Manzano from correcting what the CTA now considers a mistake.

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