Bicardo de Burgos Bengoetxea Appointed to Officiate Copa del Rey Final Between Barcelona and Real Madrid
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has named Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea as the match official for the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, set for April 26, 2025, at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.
De Burgos Bengoetxea, who represents the Basque Committee, has been a La Liga referee since 2015 and joined FIFA’s international referee list in 2018. He brings considerable experience to the fixture, having officiated three previous Clásico meetings, including the 2017 Supercopa de España first leg and two matches in 2023. However, this will be his first time overseeing a Copa del Rey final.
Pablo González Fuertes will be in charge of VAR duties. A top-flight referee since 2017 with over 150 matches to his name, his appointment has stirred some controversy. Former official Eduardo Iturralde González and others have expressed concern over González Fuertes’s lack of specialization in VAR operations. Critics argue that assigning someone near retirement to such a pivotal role could reduce accountability if a major mistake occurs.
As anticipation builds, attention will focus not just on the players but also on the officiating team’s ability to maintain control and impartiality in what is sure to be a fiercely contested final.
