Spanish refs in the dock as Roberto Gómez blasts 'manipulated competition'
Veteran journalist claims Barcelona's complaints are justified, blames CTA chief Fran Soto for La Liga's refereeing crisis, and gives a firm 'no thanks' to Mourinho return rumours.
Spanish football’s refereeing controversy has reached boiling point with veteran journalist Roberto Gómez launching a scathing attack on the current state of officiating, claiming the competition is being actively manipulated.
Barcelona complaints ‘fully justified’
Speaking on Radio MARCA’s La Tribu programme, Gómez made the surprising admission that Barcelona’s recent protests about refereeing decisions are entirely warranted.
“Barcelona is right to protest about the refereeing situation - they have every reason in the world,” he stated, even suggesting the Catalan club hasn’t gone far enough in their complaints.
This acknowledgment comes after several contentious decisions in recent Barcelona matches have left the club fuming, with Gómez drawing parallels to when Real Madrid previously raised similar concerns.
‘Structural crisis’ in Spanish football
Gómez didn’t mince his words about where the blame lies, pointing the finger directly at the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) and specifically its head, Fran Soto.
According to the journalist, the problems aren’t isolated incidents but represent a fundamental breakdown in Spanish football governance:
- The Spanish Football Federation is in “tremendous crisis”
- Spanish football itself faces a crisis due to refereeing issues
- The competition has become “totally devalued”
- Referees earn €350,000 but their performance doesn’t match their pay
- There’s a disconnect between on-field refs and VAR officials
Gómez’s most explosive claim was that Soto is actively “manipulating the competition” by changing criteria mid-season and creating confusion around VAR implementation.
‘Mourinho no, thanks’
The conversation wasn’t limited to refereeing drama. When José Mourinho’s name came up as a potential future Real Madrid manager, Gómez was equally direct: “Mourinho no, thanks.”
He believes the Portuguese manager’s era at the club is firmly in the past, suggesting Florentino Pérez isn’t prepared to bring back a figure who remains divisive among Madrid supporters.
Instead, Gómez urged focus on what really matters - the upcoming matches and European competition for both Madrid clubs.
But his parting message returned to the officiating crisis, repeatedly stating “enough is enough” and calling for immediate action from football authorities to address what he sees as a system in disarray.