Committee expands with additions of Gregorio Manzano, Teixeira Vitienes, and Fran Soto for the selection of referees role
New Leadership in Spanish Football Arbitration: A Fresh Approach
A significant change is underway in the world of Spanish football arbitration, as the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has appointed lawyer Fran Soto as the new president of the Technical Arbitral Committee (CTA). This move marks a potential shift in the way referees are selected for professional football matches in Spain.
Soto, who is not a traditional referee, brings expertise from his legal background to the table. His appointment is significant as he has appointed the heads of different areas in the restructuring of the CTA, as announced on July 2. Among these appointments are Gregorio Manzano, Fernando Teixeira Vitienes, and Marta Friás Acedo.
Manzano, a renowned figure in Spanish football, has directed over 400 matches in various competitions, including La Liga. His inclusion is in line with Soto's announcement of opening up the designation of referees to actors in professional football. Teixeira Vitienes, who has accumulated over 300 matches as a referee in national and international competitions, will bring his extensive experience to the committee. Friás Acedo, on the other hand, will be responsible for institutional relations.
In the new arbitral leadership, Chema Alonso, an IT engineer and cybersecurity expert, is responsible for technological innovation and AI. Alonso is one of the innovative hires of the new stage, as the CTA aims to embrace modern technology to improve arbitration. The commission of experts, which includes technicians and former players such as Álvaro Negredo and José Ángel 'Cuco' Ziganda, has been formed to implement AI in arbitration.
However, details about the membership of the AI and technological innovation commission in the new arbitral leadership for professional football are not publicly available at this time. For the latest and most specific information, it is recommended to check official announcements from FIFA or the relevant football governing body, as they typically publish details about commissions and leadership appointments.
The Professional Competition Arbitral Committee, consisting of Soto, Manzano, and Teixeira Vitienes, will choose the field and VAR referee teams for all LaLiga EA Sports and LaLiga Hypermotion matches. Yolanda Parga is responsible for women's football in the new arbitral leadership.
Eduardo Prieto Iglesias is responsible for the VAR in the new arbitral leadership. This appointment comes as the CTA looks to improve the consistency and accuracy of decisions made by referees using technology.
This new leadership in Spanish football arbitration is set to bring about a fresh approach, with a focus on technology, expertise, and openness to new ideas. As the season progresses, the impact of these changes will become clearer.
The new arbitral leadership, spearheaded by Soto, intends to integrate technology more extensively within football arbitration, with IT engineer Chema Alonso being in charge of technological innovation and AI.
Gregorio Manzano, with his extensive experience in football, is aligned with Soto's vision of opening up the designation of referees to professionals in the sports industry.
