Spanish Refereeing Chiefs Criticized by Real Madrid Have Been Sacked

The Andalusian took over the CTA presidency at the end of 2021. Then-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, appointed him after Velasco Carballo left to join UEFA.

Real Madrid has been the most vocal in pushing for Cantalejo's removal in recent years, primarily through its club television channel, which consistently criticised him.

Cantalejo led the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) in Spain for nearly four years, but has been relieved of his duty, as reported by Sportal.

Clos Gómez (head of VAR), Rubinos Pérez (deputy chairman), and vice presidents Lisondo Cortés, González Vázquez, and Lesma López were also relieved of their duties. This change in CTA leadership was expected.

Since taking the position, Cantalejo has tried to eliminate the awarding of soft penalties, especially after VAR intervention, according to AS.

During his tenure, he also had to deal with the "Negreira Case" investigation, which involved Real Madrid's fierce rival, Barcelona.

Spanish refereeing will enter a new era next season. Referees have formed a union to protect themselves from constant attacks by some clubs, including Real Madrid, whom the CTA tried unsuccessfully to sanction.

Furthermore, the CTA will become a new, more independent institution, overseen by both La Liga and the RFEF, rather than solely by the federation. These changes aim to ease tensions with the clubs and have led to new faces in the CTA leadership.