Levante-Atlético, first match where referee will speak after the game

La Liga introduces post-match referee interviews starting with Levante v Atlético Madrid; officials will speak on broadcast after the final whistle.

La Liga is rolling out a new initiative this weekend where referees will conduct post-match interviews on broadcast, adding to the pre-match interviews already in place. The first match to feature this new format is Levante v Atlético Madrid on Saturday at the Ciudad de Levante stadium. The second match will be Villarreal v Espanyol on Saturday evening, followed by Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad in the Basque derby on Sunday at 21:00.

The measure is part of broader efforts by the new Spanish Football Federation's refereeing committee to increase transparency and openness in the sport. It complements existing innovations including camera access to referee dressing rooms before matches and the use of REFCam technology worn by officials during play. The post-match interview format will initially apply only to the top division but could be expanded to the second tier.