The Clausura 2026 Final between Cruz Azul and Pumas will now also be played off the field, as the Referees Commission officially rejected the request submitted by La Máquina to change referee Daniel Quintero Huitrón for the final match at Ciudad Universitaria, a decision that further increased the tension surrounding the championship series.
The refereeing controversy became one of the most talked-about topics in Mexican soccer after the Cementero supporters expressed their disagreement with the appointment of the referee for the second leg of the final.
Why did Cruz Azul want another referee?
Cruz Azul’s annoyance arose after the appointment of Daniel Quintero Huitrón to direct the decisive match against Pumas.
The main precedent that fueled the controversy occurred after the second leg semifinal between Pumas and Pachuca.
After that match, a video was once again viralized in which Efraín Juárez, university coach, approaches the referee and comments:
“I wish you would whistle…very good job.”
Although the video does not represent evidence of any wrongdoing, it did provoke debate among fans and sports media.
Especially since the same referee ended up being considered for the final.
Under this context, Cruz Azul formally presented a petition to modify the referee designation before the most important match of the tournament (Filed as: Cruz Azul claims referee).
The official response was forceful
CLOSED DOOR IN COMMISSION🚩🚫
The FMF Referees Commission shelved Cruz Azul’s complaint. 😳
La Máquina failed to get their disagreement over the refereeing designations and Efraín Juárez’s controversial message to the match’s centerback to proceed. pic.twitter.com/9z0pSmjmys
– Estadio Deportes (@EstadioDxts) May 21, 2026
The Referees Commission responded negatively to the cement company’s request and made its position clear:
Clubs have no influence over referee appointments.
The resolution became relevant because recently there was a precedent that generated doubts within the sky-blue environment.
During the semifinal between Pumas and Pachuca, the university club was reportedly unhappy with the initial selection of Luis Enrique Santander for the first match.
Finally, Ismael Rosario López Peñuelas was in charge of directing that meeting.
This episode fueled the perception that there was room to request arbitration modifications in decisive instances.
However, in the case of Cruz Azul, the Commission upheld the original decision (Filed as: Cruz Azul claims referee).
César Ramos appeared to be the main alternative.
🚨 What is going on in the Referee Commission and the influence that @PumasMX seems to have in the designations is something that must stop NOW…. It’s INAUDIBLE… 🧐
The fact that César Ramos Palazuelos 🇲🇽 is not contemplated for the FINAL between Pumas and @CruzAzul gives rise to… pic.twitter.com/llYbSKOxTI
– Juan Guzmán Gasso (@GuzmanGasso) May 19, 2026
If the change requested by Cruz Azul were to be approved, the name of César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos would be the strongest.
The Mexican referee has extensive international experience and is consistently ranked among the most prestigious referees in CONCACAF and FIFA.
In addition, César Ramos is in line to attend a possible third World Cup.
Consolidating his position as one of the most important Mexican referees today.
However, after the official refusal, everything points to the fact that Daniel Quintero Huitrón will be in charge of the second leg between Pumas and Cruz Azul (Filed as: Cruz Azul claims referee).
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
