Fabio Capello has delivered a fierce and uncompromising critique of modern refereeing, the use of VAR and the handling of the Negreira scandal in Spain, drawing stark comparisons with Italy’s Calciopoli affair.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Marca, the former coach of AC Milan, AS Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid did not hold back, describing the refereeing system as a closed circle resistant to meaningful reform.
Capello’s strongest criticism was aimed at the current VAR structure and the reluctance to involve former players or coaches in decision-making.
“Referees are a mafia. They are a closed caste,” Capello said.
“They do not want former players involved in VAR, people who understand football movements, body positioning, the instinctive gestures players make. That is why they often make incorrect decisions.”
The Italian coach argued that referees who have never played at a high level struggle to interpret key moments correctly.
“A player gets touched in the face, throws himself to the ground and they whistle immediately. Why? That drives me crazy.”
According to Capello, the solution is straightforward: integrating ex-players or former coaches into the VAR decision-making process.
“Put one there who can say to the referee: ‘That does not look like a penalty to me.’
With UEFA we analysed 20 penalties that had been awarded. When reviewed by former players and coaches, only six were penalties. Fourteen were not.”
Capello also addressed the ongoing Negreira investigation in Spain, where FC Barcelona are accused of making payments to José María Enríquez Negreira, former vice president of the Spanish referees’ technical committee.
Having won two La Liga titles with Real Madrid during the period under scrutiny, Capello defended those successes with a mix of pride and irony.
“What can I say? They tried to stop us, but they did not succeed. We won against everyone. If you believe winning always has value, then after this it has even more value.”
However, Capello was particularly critical of how the case has been handled in Spain, contrasting it with the consequences faced in Italy during Calciopoli in 2006.
“Juventus did not pay the referees and yet they were sent to Serie B.
In Spain, with the Negreira case, nothing has happened. In Italy, we act.”
Capello’s comments are likely to reignite debate around refereeing transparency, the role of VAR and the consistency of sporting justice across Europe, particularly at a time when trust in officiating remains under intense scrutiny.
