LaLiga referees will face the cameras: they'll speak on TV after matches
The initiative starts this weekend with two interviews per matchday. The deal includes a financial incentive for referees for taking part in the broadcasts.
LaLiga referees will also speak in front of the cameras after the final whistle. The competition will add televised interviews with match officials starting this weekend, as part of a deal to bring their work closer to fans.
The format will be limited to two matches per matchday: one of the games broadcast by DAZN and one of those shown on Movistar+. The interviews will be conducted by the broadcasters that hold the competition's rights.
One of the first settings will be the Basque derby between Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, scheduled for Sunday, November 1 at San Mamés, as part of matchday 11.
From pre-match to post-match
What's new is the timing. Since the start of this season, referees have already taken part in pre-match interviews. Now they will also appear in post-match coverage, when their decisions are fresh and the disputed plays are still the talk of the game.
The change is part of the agreement between LaLiga, the Spanish Football Federation and the referees' union AESAF, which calls for greater involvement of officials in the league's audiovisual content.
Half a million euros for referees
There is money involved too: LaLiga will set aside a €500,000 pool for referees as an audiovisual incentive. That amount covers the agreed participation as a whole; it is not half a million paid to each referee or per interview.
The deal aims to improve broadcasts and help fans understand officials' reasoning, with conditions also designed to protect the image of refereeing.
The debut will show how much room is given to explaining the most controversial incidents and what fans gain from hearing the referee right after the match.
For now, the scope is set: two interviews per matchday. The final whistle will also open the microphone to the referees.
Have you seen this round's previews?See previews →More stories
Dibu Martínez reveals secrets of the final vs Spain: 'We can't go to penalties'Emiliano Martínez said he heard Spanish players urging each other to settle the World Cup before the shootout. He also shared what one of the rival goalkeepers admitted to him.
Banned by their own club! Barcelona punish their fan stand after El ClásicoBarça suspended the activity of its “Gol 1957” supporters' stand for the visit of Alavés. The incidents against Real Madrid raised the threat of fines and even a stadium closure.
Eight titles in one year? Argentina overhauls its league and opens more paths to a trophyThe 2027 season will feature 30 teams, two tournaments with knockout rounds and a champion decided on points. The new Recopa completes a list of eight domestic trophies.