Istvan Kovacs faces scrutiny over penalty decision in Saudi Pro League

Referee Istvan Kovacs has drawn attention following a controversial penalty decision during a Saudi Pro League match between Al Khaleej and Al Hilal. In the 64th minute, Kovacs awarded a penalty to Al Khaleej after Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly handled the ball following a pass from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

This decision has sparked debate due to its similarity to a high-profile incident during a UEFA Champions League quarter-final match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid earlier this year. In that instance, Kovacs did not award a penalty for a nearly identical handball involving player Pubill, a decision that led to formal protests from Barcelona.

Following that incident, UEFA's refereeing commission, led by Roberto Rosetti, clarified that such situations should result in a penalty to ensure consistency. Kovacs' decision in the Saudi Arabian league appears to align with this updated guidance and the directive to treat the ball as in play once the goalkeeper initiates a pass.