The regulatory body of Portuguese football, the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol (FPF), through its Arbitration Council, has officially unveiled the roster of match officials set to oversee the action in the upcoming 2025/26 season. The published list includes a total of 24 referees designated for Primeira Liga matches and their counterparts handling Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties.
This annual announcement often brings changes, and the 2025/26 list is no exception, featuring notable movements driven by regulations, performance evaluations, and perhaps, the inevitable march of time.
A key factor influencing the roster is the mandated retirement age of 45 for on-field referees. Two prominent names reached this threshold: Tiago Martins and Hélder Malheiro. Martins, a familiar face on the pitch, will transition off the main refereeing list but will not leave the officiating world entirely. He is set to continue his career in the VAR booth, joining the newly categorized VARC1 officials. It seems technology offers a path for experienced eyes, even if the legs aren`t sprinting lines anymore.
Hélder Malheiro, who also turned 45, presents a contrasting outcome. In a move suggesting his continued value on the grass, Malheiro received a direct invitation from the FPF to remain on the primary list of main referees. This exception highlights individual merit or perhaps a perceived need for his specific expertise among the active officials.
On the other end of the spectrum, the list sees the departure of two officials from the top tier. Gonçalo Neves and Bruno Vieira have been “desprovidos” – a term that politely signifies they have been removed from the main list. Refereeing is a demanding profession, and maintaining one`s position at the highest level requires consistent performance, which, for these two, seems to have fallen short this cycle.
However, the infusion of new talent is also part of the cycle. Three referees have earned their promotion to the coveted C1 category, the highest level of Portuguese refereeing. Luís Filipe, representing the Lisbon Football Association (AF Lisboa), Márcio Torres from Viana do Castelo, and Diogo Rosa from Beja have successfully climbed the ranks. Their ascent marks a significant step in their careers and brings fresh faces and perspectives to the demanding environment of Primeira Liga officiating.
The finalized list of 24 referees and accompanying VAR personnel will be under intense scrutiny throughout the 2025/26 campaign. As ever, decisions made on the field (and via technology) will be debated fervently by clubs, players, and fans alike. This announcement merely sets the stage for another season of football where the men and women in black (or yellow, or pink) play a crucial, if often controversial, role.
