FC Barcelona announced that it has filed an official complaint with the Spanish Football Federation following the refereeing controversy that accompanied its match against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.

The letter addressed to the president of the federation, the head of the referees committee (CTA), and the video technology officials included clear criticisms of what the club described as a "lack of unified standards" in refereeing decisions.

Barcelona confirmed in its message the existence of discrepancies in disciplinary decisions regarding similar cases, considering that this disparity creates a sense of double standards, which contradicts the principles of justice and equality within competitions.

The club also pointed out a clear inconsistency in the interpretation of handball incidents inside the penalty area, even in matches officiated by the same referees, which, according to the statement, reinforces the sense of randomness and lack of consistency in the application of the regulations.

The statement also addressed the mechanism of using video technology, calling for more transparency, especially in "millimeter" cases that were not accompanied by clear technical explanations. The club also questioned the criteria used to send the referee to review footage on the pitch screen, pointing out the absence of a unified approach in this regard.

Barcelona demanded the release of full audio recordings of all VAR reviews, whether the referee is called to the screen or not, considering it a necessary step to enhance transparency.

Despite the harsh criticism, Barcelona emphasized that its move is not intended to question the professionalism of the referees, but rather aims at an urgent review of the established standards.

The club proposed the establishment of a code of conduct or a disciplinary regulation specifically for the refereeing staff, which would include public and transparent consequences in the event of serious mistakes or negligence. This aims to enhance confidence in the refereeing system and ensure the integrity of competitions.

In the conclusion of its statement, the club emphasized that its actions are not only in defense of its interests but also aim to protect the credibility of the championships and ensure a fair competitive environment for all clubs.