Beatriz Álvarez : “Having referees at RFEF third division level doesn’t help Liga F

The debate over refereeing standards in women’s professional football has intensified following controversial decisions in recent high-profile matches. Liga F President Beatriz Álvarez has voiced strong concerns about the current state of officiating in Spain’s top women’s football league, particularly highlighting how the quality of referees impacts the competition’s growth and credibility.

In Short

Liga F president calls for higher refereeing standards

In a recent interview with Diario Sport on March 24, 2025, Liga F President Beatriz Álvarez addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding referee performance in women’s professional football. Her comments came in the aftermath of Real Madrid’s first-ever victory over Barcelona in Liga F, a match marked by disputed decisions including a disallowed goal by Jana Fernández that sparked significant debate among fans and analysts.

“We’ve been raising concerns about the refereeing situation for a long time; this isn’t just about yesterday’s match,” Álvarez stated firmly. “A Clásico naturally attracts more visibility due to its impact, but this represents the general pattern we’ve been seeing. The issue goes beyond human errors—it’s about the overall standard of refereeing in Liga F.”

The concerns raised by Álvarez reflect a growing frustration within the women’s game in Spain. Since Liga F gained professional status in 2022, expectations regarding all aspects of the competition have risen substantially. The quality of officiating has become increasingly scrutinized, especially during high-stakes matches like the El Clásico in Liga F between Barcelona and Real Madrid that draw significant attention from fans and media alike.

Álvarez emphasized that the league has repeatedly approached the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regarding these issues, holding multiple meetings aimed at enhancing the overall product. “Our request, beyond VAR implementation, is to create a pool of referees with appropriate qualifications. It shouldn’t be a question of gender but rather capability,” she explained, highlighting the need for merit-based officiating assignments regardless of gender considerations.

Refereeing quality and its impact on competitive integrity

One of the most pointed criticisms from the Liga F president centered on how officials are currently selected and promoted to the women’s top division. According to Álvarez, the current approach by the RFEF has focused too heavily on gender representation without sufficient emphasis on experience and ability.

“I believe it’s a mistake to promote this at the elite level; development should happen at the grassroots,” Álvarez remarked. “Pushing referees who aren’t ready to officiate in a professional league is counterproductive. We must protect our value as a league, and having referees at RFEF third division level doesn’t help Liga F’s product or reputation.”

This statement reflects the delicate balance Liga F must maintain—supporting increased female representation in all aspects of the sport while ensuring competitive standards meet professional expectations. The comparison to third-division RFEF levels suggests a significant gap between the quality of play in Liga F and the officiating standards currently applied.

Sports analytics experts have noted that inconsistent officiating can dramatically affect match outcomes and betting patterns. Statistical models used by advanced prediction systems have shown that referee decisions in key moments can swing win probabilities by as much as 35% in closely contested matches. This variability creates challenges for fans trying to make informed predictions about match outcomes.

When referees lack the experience to handle the speed and complexity of top-level women’s football, the product suffers in ways that affect everyone from players to spectators. Similar challenges have been faced in other developing football competitions, where finding the right balance between growth opportunities and maintaining professional standards remains difficult.

The path toward VAR implementation in women’s football

Another key topic addressed by the Liga F president was the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in women’s professional football in Spain. While VAR has become standard in men’s top competitions across Europe, including La Liga where the RFEF regularly features Barcelona talents and other stars, its implementation in women’s football has lagged behind.

Álvarez confirmed that VAR will eventually arrive in Liga F but acknowledged the practical challenges involved. “VAR will come, but we need to determine which system we can financially support,” she explained. “Clubs must make preliminary infrastructure investments, referees require prior training to adapt to the system, and all of this demands time, preparation, and significant financial commitment.”

The economic realities of women’s football mean that technology adoption must be approached strategically. Liga F’s revenue, while growing substantially in recent years, still represents a fraction of what men’s competitions generate. The league reported approximately €17 million in broadcasting revenue for the 2024-2025 season, compared to over €2 billion for La Liga in the men’s game.

The technological gap extends beyond just VAR implementation. Basic infrastructure requirements for consistent video review include multiple camera angles, dedicated technical staff, and robust communication systems—all representing substantial costs for clubs still working toward financial sustainability.

Despite these challenges, the push for VAR reflects the league’s commitment to professional standards. Statistical analysis from leagues that have implemented VAR shows a reduction in clear officiating errors by approximately 28%, particularly for offside decisions and penalty assessments—precisely the areas that have generated controversy in recent Liga F matches.

As women’s football continues its rapid development in Spain and globally, addressing these fundamental quality control issues becomes increasingly important. The balance between ambitious growth and practical implementation remains at the heart of Álvarez’s challenge as she works to elevate Liga F’s status in the competitive landscape of European football.