FC Barcelona Files Formal Complaint with UEFA Over Refereeing in Champions League Quarter-Final vs Atlético Madrid
FC Barcelona has officially lodged a formal complaint with UEFA regarding refereeing decisions in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Atlético de Madrid.
In an official statement released today, the club’s legal services stated that they believe there was a refereeing action “contrary to current regulations” that had a direct impact on the development and outcome of the match.
Key Complaint
The complaint centres on an incident in the 54th minute of the game. After play had correctly resumed, an Atlético de Madrid player allegedly handled the ball inside the penalty area, but no penalty was awarded. Barcelona argues that this decision, combined with a “serious lack of intervention by the VAR,” constitutes a significant error.
As a result, the club has requested:
The opening of a formal investigation
Access to referee communications
Official recognition of the errors, and if applicable, the adoption of relevant measures
Broader Concerns
Barcelona also noted that this is not the first time in recent Champions League editions that “incomprehensible refereeing decisions” have seriously harmed the team. The statement claims these incidents create a “clear comparative grievance” and prevent the club from competing on equal terms with other teams.
The club has not disclosed the final score of the first leg, but the complaint implies the decision had a material effect on the result.
This is the latest high-profile refereeing controversy involving a major European club in the 2025/26 Champions League season. UEFA is expected to review the complaint and may respond in the coming days.
FC Barcelona Official Statement (excerpt):
“The Club’s legal services have filed a formal complaint with UEFA regarding the events that occurred in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Atlético de Madrid. The club considers that there was refereeing action that was contrary to current regulations, with a direct impact on the development of the match and its result.”
The matter is now in UEFA’s hands. We will provide updates as more information becomes available from the governing body.
