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4 clusters · 13 sources · 48 days · First seen · Last updated

Istvan Kovacs refereeing controversy

Overview

Following his appointment to officiate the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg between Sabah and Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Baku, Istvan Kovacs faced renewed controversy. The match, which resulted in a 5-2 victory for Sabah after extra time, was marked by intense criticism of Kovacs’ decisions.

During extra time, Kovacs issued red cards to Hapoel Be’er Sheva players Djibril Diop and Eliel Peretz. The Israeli captain, Miguel Vitor, contested the officiating, stating the team believed Diop “did not deserve the second yellow card.” Furthermore, the referee was accused of failing to intervene during Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s opening goal, where the goalkeeper was allegedly struck in the head and hands while holding the ball.

This incident follows a pattern of scrutiny regarding Kovacs’ recent Champions League assignments, including the previous match between Bodø/Glimt and Union Saint‑Gilloise that also involved multiple red cards and confrontations with club officials.

Entities

István Kovács · Hapoel Beer Sheva · UEFA · Baku · Sabah

Timeline

  1. 23 days ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Istvan Kovacs faces controversy in Champions League match

    Referee Istvan Kovacs faces controversy after issuing two red cards and overlooking a disputed goal during Sabah's 5-2 Champions League qualifying win over Hapoel Beer Sheva.

  2. 26 days ago

    [SPORTS] 8 sources
    Istvan Kovacs appointed to UEFA Champions League play-off

    UEFA has appointed Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs to officiate the Champions League play-off match between Sabah FC and Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Baku.

  3. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    UEFA backs Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs after Barcelona complaint

    UEFA upheld Barcelona's complaint against Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs and later appointed him to a Champions League qualifier between Bodø/Glimt and Union Saint‑Gilloise.

  4. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs dropped from World Cup semifinals, earnings disclosed

    FIFA omitted Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs from the 2026 World Cup semifinals; he earned $106,000 for two group matches and remains in the pool for later games.

Sources

as.ro · dailynewshungary.com · fanatik.ro · fanpage.it · flash.pt · g4media.ro · golazo.ro · gsp.ro · m.digisport.ro · mediafax.ro · prosport.ro · selfie.iol.pt · sport.hotnews.ro

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history