Barcelona has formally complained to the Spanish Football Federation, seeking referee sanctions after perceived significant officiating errors in a recent Copa del Rey semifinal against Atlético Madrid.
FC Barcelona has filed a formal complaint with the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) following a contentious Copa del Rey semifinal match against Atlético Madrid, where the club expressed deep dissatisfaction with officiating decisions that they deemed as 'serious errors or negligence.' The complaint was sent to top officials within the RFEF, indicating the club's effort to demand consistency and transparency in refereeing standards, particularly with the use of VAR, which they feel has not been applied uniformly.
The complaint highlights five key points, focusing on a perceived lack of consistency in how referees interpret and apply the rules, reflecting wider frustrations among players and management alike. This unrest is underscored by the ongoing 'Negreira case', involving allegations of corrupt practices connected to refereeing in Spain. It suggests that Barcelona is not only addressing immediate concerns but is also pushing for broader reforms within Spanish football's officiating system.
By taking this formal step, Barcelona aims to protect its competitive integrity and ensure that matches are conducted fairly. This move could provoke a significant response from the RFEF and may lead to increased scrutiny on referees, with implications for how future games, particularly in high-stakes tournaments like the Copa del Rey, are officiated.
