The appointment of Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea as the referee for the 2025 Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona has sparked significant controversy, igniting debates among fans, clubs, and officials. This article dives into the key details of the controversy, its origins, and its impact on Spanish football, ensuring you’re fully informed about this high-profile issue.
Real Madrid TV’s Controversial Video
The controversy erupted when Real Madrid TV, the club’s official media channel, released a video on April 24, 2025, targeting de Burgos Bengoetxea. The three-and-a-half-minute compilation highlighted alleged errors in his past decisions, particularly in matches involving Real Madrid. It claimed that Real Madrid had a 64% win rate under de Burgos Bengoetxea, compared to Barcelona’s 81%, suggesting a bias. The video also noted his lack of appointments in UEFA Champions League or FIFA tournaments, questioning his competence for a match of this magnitude.
This move was not isolated. Real Madrid TV has a history of producing similar videos to critique referees before major games, a tactic critics argue is designed to pressure officials. The video’s dramatic music and selective statistics amplified its impact, drawing widespread attention and criticism.
De Burgos Bengoetxea’s Emotional Response
On April 25, 2025, during a customary pre-final press conference organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), de Burgos Bengoetxea addressed the video. Visibly emotional, he broke down in tears while discussing the personal toll of the criticism. He recounted how his son faced bullying at school, with classmates calling him a “thief” due to the public attacks on his integrity. “When your son comes home crying because kids say his father is a crook, it’s really hard,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to honesty despite the possibility of human error.
Pablo González Fuertes, the appointed Video Assistant Referee (VAR), supported de Burgos Bengoetxea, condemning the ongoing attacks on referees. He warned that Spanish officials were prepared to take “serious measures” to address the issue, hinting at potential collective action. Their statements underscored the broader impact of such criticism, not only on professional referees but also on grassroots officials and their families.
Real Madrid’s Reaction
Real Madrid responded swiftly, labeling the referees’ statements as “unacceptable” and accusing de Burgos Bengoetxea and González Fuertes of showing “clear animosity and hostility” toward the club. The club canceled its scheduled pre-match press conference and training session in Seville, escalating tensions. Reports surfaced that Real Madrid considered boycotting the final or requesting de Burgos Bengoetxea’s removal, though the club later denied any intention to withdraw, confirming their participation just 24 hours before kickoff.
The RFEF rejected any calls to replace de Burgos Bengoetxea, stating that no formal request for his removal had been made. Real Madrid’s actions, including their absence from pre-game events, fueled speculation about their commitment to the match, raising concerns about the integrity of the final.
