VAR Revamp, Coaching Challenges Introduced: Big Changes Headed to La Liga
La Liga will implement a revamped VAR system next season, allowing coaches to make two challenge calls per game. This comes in response to a season full of disputes and a major refereeing shake-up.
La Liga is gearing up for a significant shift in the upcoming season, as the Spanish Referees Committee plans to introduce a groundbreaking Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system designed to enhance transparency and reduce on-field controversy.
As per COPE Radio, the updated framework will feature a coach’s challenge mechanism, giving each manager two opportunities per match to request a VAR review. If the appeal leads to the reversal of an incorrect decision, the coach will keep that challenge. However, if the original ruling stands, the challenge will be forfeited.
This major change comes in the wake of a turbulent season marked by repeated tensions between clubs and match officials—particularly Real Madrid’s consistent criticism of referees through its official media platforms. The situation escalated to the point where the referees’ union in Spain filed legal action against the club.
Refereeing Structure Undergoes Major Shake-up
Earlier this year, Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), declared that Spanish officiating would be undergoing a complete structural reform. According to Marca, the RFEF has now formally disbanded the entire refereeing body in response to increasing demands from clubs for comprehensive reform.
As part of this overhaul, Luis Medina Cantalejo, who led the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), and Carlos Clos Gómez, who headed the VAR department, have both been removed from their posts.
They are not alone—several other top-level officials, including Antonio Rubinos Pérez and three vice presidents, are also stepping down.
Cantalejo had served as CTA chief since December 2021, while Gómez oversaw the implementation and management of VAR across Spanish football. Both faced growing criticism last season, with numerous clubs voicing concerns over officiating quality and inconsistency in decision-making.
Tensions peaked earlier this year when a four-club panel was established to assist with the reform process in refereeing. Real Madrid, notably, were not included in this group—something that reportedly did not go over well with the club.
