Albania Puts Its Refereeing in Spanish Hands as Bernardino González Vázquez Takes Charge
The Albanian Football Federation has entrusted the leadership of its refereeing system to an official with extensive international experience. Bernardino González Vázquez was officially presented on August 14, 2026, as the new Director of the Refereeing Department, replacing Sokol Jareci.
The former Spanish referee was introduced at the “House of Football” by FSHF Vice President Geri Çipi. His appointment is expected to open a new chapter for Albanian refereeing, focused on greater professionalism, transparency and credibility.
González Vázquez will hold extensive responsibilities. In addition to leading the Refereeing Department, he will chair the Refereeing Committee and oversee the structures responsible for referee appointments, assessments and observations.
The Spaniard brings considerable experience from La Liga, where he officiated matches at the highest level. He was also a FIFA-listed referee and worked in European competitions, including UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup qualifying and group-stage matches.
One of the highlights of his international career was officiating the 2005 UEFA European Under-17 Championship final.
After retiring from refereeing, González Vázquez continued working in the field, holding senior positions within the refereeing structures of the Spanish Football Federation. That experience is expected to help him reorganize and modernize Albania’s refereeing system.
His appointment also received the support of Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer. A recommendation from one of the leading figures in European refereeing adds significant weight to the Albanian federation’s new project.
In his first address, González Vázquez emphasized the importance of daily work, professional preparation and continuous support for referees.
“In Spain, we have a saying: the harder you work, the luckier you become,” González Vázquez said, outlining the philosophy he intends to implement in Albania.
He also asked for refereeing mistakes to be assessed professionally and constructively, without turning officials into targets of constant attacks.
“Referees make mistakes because they are human. A referee should not be destroyed because of one mistake,” the new director said.
However, protecting referees will not mean tolerating poor preparation. González Vázquez is expected to demand discipline, regular training and a detailed analysis of every decision made on the field or through the VAR system.
His main challenge will be restoring public confidence in Albanian refereeing. In recent seasons, match officials have frequently faced criticism from clubs over controversial decisions and an alleged lack of consistency in applying the Laws of the Game.
For this reason, appointing a foreign official is being viewed as an attempt to establish a more independent system, protected from the pressures and influences surrounding domestic football.
Another major objective will be identifying and developing young refereeing talent. The FSHF wants more Albanian officials to earn FIFA recognition and represent the country in UEFA competitions.
By appointing Bernardino González Vázquez, Albanian football has placed its refereeing system in Spanish hands. His experience and reputation are important, but the real test will come on the pitch.
Clubs, coaches, players and supporters are demanding greater fairness, transparency and credibility. It now remains to be seen whether Spanish expertise can bring genuine change to Albanian refereeing.