Capello statement to clarify ‘referees are a mafia’ comments after controversy

Fabio Capello has released a statement to ‘clarify’ his comments calling referees ‘a mafia’ organisation. ‘It was taken out of context.’

The comments were made during an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, and hit headlines in Spain and Italy.

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Referee Felix Zwayer, consults the VAR screen before declaring the goal scored by Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool (not pictured) disallowed for a handball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match...