Rafael Louzán Highlights the Growth of Women’s Refereeing and the Progress Made by Spanish Match Officials

📹 Rafael Louzán: "Es un orgullo tener el equipo del que dispone la @rfef en el ámbito arbitral".

⚖️ El @CTARFEF ha celebrado este martes su gala anual de entrega de escarapelas @fifacom_es.

ℹ️ https://t.co/qTvAnYowd4#ArbitrajeRFEF pic.twitter.com/Axciz4A3yM

— RFEF (@rfef) December 9, 2025

The ceremony, held in Madrid, brought together key figures from Spanish refereeing in football, futsal and beach soccer for the presentation of the 51 FIFA international badges awarded for 2026.

Rafael Louzán congratulated all referees representing Spain on the world stage, praising their “mentality, discipline, sacrifice and dedication,” which, in his words, form “an exceptional human team we are very proud to work with.”

He also revealed that the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) will have a new headquarters near its current location at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas — a more spacious, modern facility equipped with the latest technology “to improve and support the work of our officials, replacing an outdated space whose renewal was long overdue.”

Sixteen of the 51 FIFA badges were awarded to women, marking a significant step forward for female refereeing. Notable examples include Olatz Rivera, who officiated the recent U-17 Women’s World Cup final, and Noelia Gutiérrez, who refereed Sunday’s inaugural Women’s Futsal World Cup final. For Louzán, “their careers represent a valuable example for everyone.”

CTA President Fran Soto also addressed the attendees, describing this gathering and the year ahead as “historic” for Spanish refereeing — a future driven by meritocracy, transparency and openness, principles that have defined the current era of the Technical Committee since his appointment five months ago.