Basque derby referee to give post-match TV interview

Referees will now give post-match TV interviews twice per matchday starting this weekend, explaining controversial decisions in the mixed zone.

Football's governing bodies have introduced a new initiative allowing referees to provide post-match explanations on television. The scheme will see referees interviewed twice per matchday—once by each broadcaster with rights—immediately after the match in the mixed zone, beginning this weekend.

The innovation builds on earlier this season's introduction of pre-match referee interviews. Officials have been persuaded to break with tradition and discuss their decisions on contentious or debatable moments to improve transparency and understanding among fans and analysts.

The first match to feature this new format will be Levante vs Atlético Madrid on Saturday on Movistar+. For DAZN, the inaugural interview will follow the Basque derby between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad on Sunday at San Mamés, though the appointed referee has not yet been confirmed.