The Santiago Bernabéu will be the only stadium in La Liga where referees will not take part in pre-match and post-match television interviews during the 2026/27 season.
The decision comes after La Liga introduced a new transparency protocol aimed at giving supporters greater insight into refereeing decisions. Under the new system, match officials will be allowed to speak during broadcasts before and after games and explain key decisions from matches.
However, the initiative will not apply at Real Madrid’s home ground. According to reports from Spain, restrictions imposed by Real Madrid on broadcasters’ connections at the Bernabéu have prevented the protocol from being implemented there.
As a result, referees will continue to speak to broadcasters at the other 19 La Liga stadiums. The move is part of wider efforts by Spanish football authorities to improve transparency and give fans a better understanding of controversial decisions, particularly those involving referees and VAR.
The new approach represents a significant change in how refereeing decisions are communicated to the public. Instead of leaving fans to rely solely on television replays and expert analysis, officials will have an opportunity to provide their own explanations.
The development comes amid longstanding tensions between Real Madrid and Spanish football authorities over refereeing and other aspects of the organisation of domestic football.
