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Sports technicians welcome RFEF measure on UEFA qualifications

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has taken an important step forward in the professionalisation of coaches by approving a measure that will allow Sports Technicians and Higher Sports Technicians in Football and Indoor Football to obtain UEFA competence recognition. This decision opens the door for Spanish coaches to work abroad without bureaucratic obstacles.

This regulatory change is especially relevant for those coaches who are already developing their careers outside Spain or who have received offers from international clubs for the 2025 season.

A historic measure for Spanish football

Since the measure was announced, there have been many voices within the football world who have expressed their joy, after a long time waiting for it.

One of the first to speak out was Jagoba Arrasate, current coach of RCD Mallorca, who stressed that this measure ‘is excellent news for all sports coaches’, as the recognition of UEFA competencies is key to improving job opportunities for Spanish coaches abroad.

On the other hand, Íñigo Pérez, coach of Rayo Vallecano, underlined the importance of this measure for professionals seeking opportunities outside Spain:

‘This change represents a real solution for Sports Technicians who receive international offers, thus avoiding the bureaucratic complications that until now made it difficult to sign for a team abroad’.

A key step forward in further strengthening the ‘Spain’ brand in football

Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso... there are many successful Spanish coaches who are sought after by foreign clubs.  And, with this new regulation, the RFEF has eliminated one of the main obstacles faced by so many other Spanish coaches when seeking opportunities abroad, so it is expected that this number will increase more and more.

In addition, the Federation has announced the implementation of transitional mechanisms throughout 2025 to ensure that Sport Technicians can benefit from this recognition until the new UEFA Coaches Convention is formalised, which is expected to take place later this year.