Spanish FA make major decision on ref who sent off Jude Bellingham after 'conflict of interest' investigation

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have come to a conclusion in their investigation into a La Liga referee.

Last Saturday, José Luis Munuera Montero was the subject of mass media attention after he showed Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham a direct red card for what was perceived to be dissent during Los Blancos’ 1-1 draw against Osasuna.

“I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English," Ancelotti said, as per Fabrizio Romano. "He said f*ck off, not f*ck you… that’s way different. I won’t talk more about the referee as I want to be on the bench next week."

Yesterday, Marca reported that Bellingham, 21, had been handed a two-match ban, meaning he will miss La Liga matches against Girona and Real Betis.

But this was not the only reason for the interest surrounding Montero, 41.

The RFEF launched an investigation into alleged ‘conflict of interests’ related to a sports consultancy and management company that boasts clients including La Liga, UEFA, RFEF and clubs like Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

According to AP, the focus of the investigation was a company named Talentus Sports Speakers, described as a “company which Munuera participates in that offers motivation talks by sports figures”.

Montero denied the claims via a statement posted to his Instagram.

Referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero (Credit:Getty)

“In recent months the excessive attack on the refereeing collective has been evidenced, on this last occasion with me being the protagonist," read a statement posted to his Instagram page.

"The company Talentus Sports Speakers, a company owned by the referee José Luis Munuera, has not invoiced any amount to any sports entity since its creation, whether clubs, federations or companies in the sports industry.

"This company, which began its activity less than a year ago, aims to enable different athletes to transfer the transversal values of sport to different organisations, through the narration of their personal experiences, as shown on its website."

He also received abuse online and later spoke out.

Now, the RFEF have reached their conclusion with AS reporting that he has been "exonerated and will be able to referee again as soon as the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) deems it appropriate".

The report also claims that all 20 first-division referees will be reminded of their obligation to comply with the requirements of their contracts. AS says the referee will be reinstated to officiate in league and European competition.