In an unexpected turn, Mateu Lahoz supports Florentino Pérez's stance on refereeing and VAR. According to Lahoz, the refereeing system in Spain faces a series of structural failures that affect both referees and teams. The former referee has openly criticized the lack of protection for referees and the influence of inexperienced leaders in VAR.
The lack of protection for referees
One of Mateu Lahoz's strongest criticisms focuses on the lack of support that referees receive from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). According to him, "the RFEF doesn't protect referees" and only cares about them when it suits them.
This lack of institutional support has led referees to be exposed to constant pressure, both from the media and the clubs themselves. Lahoz points out that the lack of support for referees exacerbates the criticism of refereeing in Spain.
The influence of inexperienced leaders in VAR
Lahoz denounces that referees follow orders from leaders without experience in VAR. According to the former referee, this type of leadership is contributing to erroneous and uncoordinated decision-making during matches.
VAR, intended to improve refereeing, fails due to the poor management of supervisors without adequate training. This gap between technology and its application is another major problem highlighted by Lahoz.
The need for a radical change
Mateu Lahoz's conclusion is clear: "Everything must be changed from the root." For Lahoz, refereeing in Spain needs a reform that includes better training and changes in its power structure. Lahoz calls for referees with more support and an efficient VAR, without external influences.
Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, has been one of the most critical of the handling of refereeing in Spain. He has often pointed out the need to improve the quality and transparency of referees and the use of VAR.
In this regard, Lahoz's words seem to align with the concerns expressed by Pérez, who has insisted that Spanish football needs a change in its refereeing structure. Although many see Pérez as a controversial leader, in this case, Lahoz's support gives some weight to his claims.