As the anticipation builds for the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, slated for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Sevilla, the spotlight is firmly on the officiating team. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, a 39-year-old referee from the Basque Country, will take center stage, marking his first final in this prestigious tournament. However, the path leading to this moment has been fraught with emotional turmoil and intense scrutiny from the football community.
In a heartfelt press conference held just days before the match, De Burgos Bengoetxea revealed the personal toll that the recent wave of criticism has taken on him and his family. "When your child goes to school and is told that their father is a thief, it’s very tough," he said, visibly moved, as he fought back tears. "What I try to do is educate my child to understand that their father is honest, that he makes mistakes like any athlete. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone." His words resonated deeply, highlighting the impact of public perception on referees and their families.
Pablo González Fuertes, who will serve as the VAR official for the final, echoed De Burgos Bengoetxea's sentiments, emphasizing the need for respect towards referees. He expressed his frustration over the attacks they have faced, particularly from Real Madrid TV, which has been criticized for airing videos that many believe incite hatred towards referees. "We are seeing anonymous individuals on social media who insult and threaten us without any control. This creates a toxic environment not just for us, but for young referees as well," González Fuertes stated.
The situation has escalated to the point where Real Madrid has considered requesting a change of referees for the final, a move that the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has firmly rejected. A source from the RFEF confirmed to El Confidencial that no changes would be made despite the club's complaints. This decision underscores the federation's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the officiating team amid the controversy.
De Burgos Bengoetxea's officiating history adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming final. He has refereed 31 matches involving Barcelona, with the team achieving 25 victories, one draw, and five losses under his watch. In contrast, Real Madrid has had 25 encounters with him, securing 17 wins, four draws, and four losses. His track record has led to intense scrutiny, especially as both clubs prepare for a match laden with historical significance and rivalry.
In the backdrop of this heated atmosphere, Real Madrid TV responded to De Burgos Bengoetxea's complaints by questioning the quality of Spanish refereeing. They highlighted that no Spanish referee has officiated in the Club World Cup, suggesting a broader issue within the officiating ranks. The channel's comments further inflamed tensions, as they not only targeted the referees but also the president of the Referees' Technical Committee, Luis Medina Cantalejo.
Amidst the discord, González Fuertes has promised that the refereeing body will take decisive action against the ongoing harassment. "We will have to start taking much more serious measures than those currently in place. We will not continue to allow what is happening to persist. In the coming days, you will have news about what will happen," he warned, indicating a shift in how referees may respond to public criticism.
As the final approaches, both De Burgos Bengoetxea and González Fuertes have called for a more respectful dialogue around officiating. They hope that their emotional appeals will resonate with fans and players alike, fostering a healthier environment for everyone involved in the sport. "We want to return to a healthier football," González Fuertes declared, emphasizing the need for unity among all stakeholders.
Despite the pressure, De Burgos Bengoetxea expressed his excitement about officiating such a high-stakes match. "This is a privilege to referee the Copa del Rey final in such a beautiful city as Sevilla, which breathes football. I will enjoy this match with the enthusiasm of a small child," he said, reflecting on the honor of being chosen for this pivotal role.
As the teams prepare to clash, the narrative surrounding the officiating adds an intriguing subplot to an already intense rivalry. Fans will be watching closely not only for the players' performances but also for how the referees navigate the complexities of such a charged environment.
In conclusion, the Copa del Rey final is set to be a spectacle filled with drama, not just on the pitch but also in the officiating booth. With tensions running high and emotions even higher, the performance of Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo González Fuertes will be under the microscope as they strive to uphold the integrity of the game amidst the storm of criticism.
