Overview
- AFA confirmed that Nicolás Ramírez will referee the Superclásico at La Bombonera on Sunday, 1 November at 15:00 and named Maximiliano Del Yesso and Pablo González as assistants, Sebastián Zunino as fourth official, and Silvio Trucco with Gastón Suárez in VAR.
- Both Boca and River publicly voiced reservations about the appointment, citing Ramírez’s record in previous derbies and specific past incidents such as an overturned goal in September 2024 and disputed VAR interventions going back to the 2023 Superclásico.
- Boca president Juan Román Riquelme urged restraint toward officials, saying he opposes publicly attacking referees and expressing hope the referee performs well so the match can be decided on the field; he also confirmed Carlos Tévez’s farewell at La Bombonera on 20 December.
- The match carries sporting consequences for the Torneo Clausura and for teams’ continental qualification hopes, so every key decision by the on-field referee and the VAR team is expected to be scrutinized closely by clubs, fans and media.
- Referees in Argentina face intense pressure and public criticism, Ramírez has overseen most recent Superclásicos and was chosen over other candidates, and the appointment could prompt renewed complaints, media focus on officiating rules, and possible disciplinary reviews if major errors occur.