The controversy surrounding VAR decisions in La Liga continues to simmer, with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) releasing audio from officials explaining a contentious penalty awarded against Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde during their 3-2 victory over Levante on August 23, 2025. The decision, which led to Jose Luis Morales scoring Levante’s second goal, has sparked widespread debate, with many arguing the call was unduly harsh.
According to the released audio, VAR official Jorge Figueroa recommended a review to referee Alejandro Hernández, citing a potential handball. After reviewing the footage, Hernández determined that Balde’s arm was in an “unnatural position” when the ball struck it, leading to the penalty call. Figueroa subsequently confirmed the decision. The RFEF’s move to publish the audio is part of a broader initiative to provide transparency and explanation for controversial decisions made during the opening rounds of the season.
The incident itself occurred when a shot from Morales appeared to strike Balde’s arm, which was positioned near his body. Critics have pointed out that Balde’s arm position made it nearly impossible to avoid contact with the ball, and that the arm wasn’t significantly extended from his body. Social media quickly lit up with reactions, many questioning the consistency of handball rulings. One post shared widely showed a similar incident where a penalty wasn’t awarded, fueling the argument that the criteria are being applied unevenly.
This isn’t the only recent La Liga decision under scrutiny. The RFEF’s Referees’ Technical Committee (CTA) is currently reviewing controversial calls from the first three matchweeks, including a debated goal allowed in Barcelona’s match against Mallorca. While the specifics of that case differ, it underscores a growing concern about the clarity and consistency of officiating in the league. The CTA has already admitted a mistake regarding the allowance of a goal in the Mallorca match, signaling a willingness to acknowledge and address errors.
Barcelona, despite the controversy, managed to secure a 3-2 comeback win at Levante. Two quick goals after halftime erased a 2-0 deficit, and an own goal sealed the victory, keeping them at the top of the La Liga table. However, the shadow of the penalty decision looms large, raising questions about the impact of VAR on match outcomes.
The debate over Balde’s handball echoes similar discussions that have plagued football for years. The interpretation of what constitutes an “unnatural position” remains subjective, and the speed at which incidents unfold often makes accurate assessment difficult, even with the aid of video technology. The RFEF’s decision to release the VAR audio is a step towards greater transparency, but it’s unlikely to quell the debate entirely.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the play “wasn’t clear” but stressed the importance of accepting the decision and moving forward. Pedri, however, questioned the consistency of the criteria, suggesting that decisions like these “should be explained properly for everyone.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among players and fans regarding the lack of clarity surrounding VAR interpretations.
The incident highlights the fine margins involved in these calls. The quick review process, as evidenced by the brevity of the VAR and referee dialogue, underscores the pressure officials face to make split-second decisions. While VAR was intended to eliminate clear and obvious errors, the subjective nature of handball rulings continues to generate controversy.
The release of the VAR audio has only intensified the scrutiny on the decision, with many pointing out that Balde’s arm position made avoiding the rebound impossible. Critics argue the call was harsh and inconsistent with other incidents during the match. The debate will undoubtedly continue, but Barcelona’s ability to overcome the setback and secure the victory demonstrates their resilience and determination.
As La Liga progresses, the pressure on referees and VAR officials will only increase. The league’s commitment to reviewing controversial decisions and providing explanations is a positive step, but greater clarity and consistency in applying the rules are essential to maintain the integrity of the competition and the trust of fans. The focus now shifts to how the CTA’s review process will address these concerns and shape the future of officiating in Spanish football.
