Spanish referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero has been exonerated of any misconduct following an investigation by the country’s football federation (RFEF) into a potential conflict of interest involving his officiating and a private sports consultancy firm he co-owns.
In a statement released on Thursday, the RFEF confirmed that no disciplinary action would be taken against the 41-year-old referee, who faced scrutiny after issuing a red card to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham for using foul language during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
Munuera deactivated his Instagram account after being inundated with thousands of comments, including insults and death threats in the wake of the match.
The controversy intensified when newspapers Marca and AS reported that his company, Talentus Sports Speakers, had business links with football organisations and professional clubs.
This prompted the RFEF to launch an inquiry to determine whether these affiliations were compatible with his role as a referee.
“Following the study, analysis and detailed verification of the commercial, corporate and accounting information, the economic activity of these companies and the degree of Munuera Montero’s participation in them, the RFEF’s Regulatory Compliance Department has concluded that there is no real or potential conflict in the business activities of the referee with his work as a First Division referee,” the RFEF stated.
🚀 @BellinghamJude 🚀 pic.twitter.com/b61v4kdRT2
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 20, 2025
“Consequently, and in accordance with the internal regulations on conflicts of interest and the RFEF’s good practices, there is no reason whatsoever to justify the adoption of disciplinary measures against Mr. Munuera Montero.”
Montero has denied any wrongdoing. He asserted on Tuesday that his company had never invoiced any sports organisation since its establishment and warned of potential legal action against media outlets reporting otherwise.
“In recent months, the disproportionate attack on the refereeing collective has become evident, and on this latest occasion I have been the target,” he said.
The RFEF also addressed the widespread criticism aimed at Munuera, stating on Monday that referees were appalled by the abuse he had received, which they viewed as reflective of the broader hostility and verbal aggression faced by match officials.
Bellingham, who defended himself by claiming that his remarks were misunderstood as he was speaking to himself in English, was handed a two-match suspension despite his appeal.