In a surprising turn of events, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has taken action after extracts of the VAR audio from Real Madrid's 3-2 victory over Almería were leaked. Journalist Gerard Romero released conversations between referee Francisco José Hernández Maeso and VAR official Alejandro Hernández Hernández, which discussed potential acts of aggression involving Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and Almería's Chumi.

The leaked audio highlighted that the conversations did not result in a reversal of on-field decisions or the use of the pitch-side monitor. If the VAR had been summoned to the monitor, the RFEF would have released the audio as part of a new initiative introduced last month. However, the leaked clips occurred during moments when the screen was not utilized, unlike the decisions that led to Madrid's first two goals and a disallowed goal for Almería in the second half.

The RFEF expressed their dissatisfaction with the breach of privacy and professionalism in a statement, saying, "On Tuesday, we filed a report with the Guardia Civil [the Spanish police] after the publication of audios from the VAR system, which are of a completely private and professional scope, relating to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Almería."

In the first released conversation, Hernández Maeso and Hernández Hernández discussed an incident involving Vinícius allegedly elbowing Alejandro Pozo in the face. However, they concluded that there was not enough evidence for VAR intervention. In the second conversation, they examined a clash between Chumi and Madrid's Dani Ceballos, where the on-field decision not to award anything was upheld. Notably, the referee was not called to review either incident on the pitch-side monitor, unlike three other occasions in the second half.

Subsequently, after reviewing replays on the pitch-side monitor, Hernández Maeso made three crucial decisions that initially went differently. He awarded Madrid a penalty for handball, ruled out an Almería goal due to a foul in the build-up, and granted Vinícius' equalizing goal, considering the contact to be high enough to warrant it. These decisions ultimately turned the tide in Madrid's favor, as they secured a 3-2 victory with a 99th-minute goal from Dani Carvajal.

As a result of this incident, discussions taking place between officials during incidents reviewed using the pitch-side monitor will be made available to broadcasters after each day's matches. The leak of the VAR audio has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the privacy and integrity of the system.

Madrid's win keeps them within one point of LaLiga leaders Girona, with a game in hand. Meanwhile, the RFEF's decision to involve the police highlights their determination to prevent further breaches of confidential VAR communications.

It remains to be seen how this incident will impact future matches and discussions around VAR in Spanish football.