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'''István Kovács''' ({{IPA-hu|ˈiʃtvaːn ˈkovaːt͡ʃ}}; born 16 September 1984) is a Romanian [[Association football|football]] [[Referee (association football)|referee]] of [[Hungarians|Hungarian ethnicity]], who primarily officiates in the [[Liga I]]. He has been a full international for [[FIFA]] since 2018, and a [[UEFA]] elite referee since 2019.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=8 February 2023 |date=January 2023 |page=161 |publisher=FIFA |title=2023 Refereeing International Lists |url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/357d1bbadb3ef112/original/2023-FIFA-Refereeing-International-Lists.pdf |website=FIFA Digital Assets Hub}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frf.ro/recomandate/istvan-kovacs-promovare-in-elite-class/ |title=Istvan Kovacs, promovare în Elite Class |date=14 December 2019 |website=[[Romanian Football Federation]] |language=ro |trans-title=Istvan Kovacs, promotion to Elite Class |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/printoutfiles/competitions/uefachampionsleague/2023/e/e_2035649_pk.pdf |title=GNK Dinamo Zagreb – Chelsea FC Match press kit |date=5 September 2022 |website=UEFA.com |publisher=UEFA |page=2 |access-date=8 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/istvan-kovacs-in-istoria-arbitrajului-din-romania-648696.html |title=Istvan Kovacs intră în istoria arbitrajului din România! Doar 3 "centrali" au mai bifat această performanță importantă |last1=Crăiţoiu|first1=Andrei |last2=Manolache |first2=Liviu |date=6 December 2021 |website=[[Gazeta Sporturilor]] |language=ro |trans-title=Istvan Kovacs enters Romanian refereeing history! Only 3 "central" referees have ever achieved this important performance |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref>
'''István Kovács''' ({{IPA-hu|ˈiʃtvaːn ˈkovaːt͡ʃ}}; born 16 September 1984) is a Romanian [[Association football|football]] [[Referee (association football)|referee]] who primarily officiates in the [[Liga I]]. He has been a full international for [[FIFA]] since 2018, and a [[UEFA]] elite referee since 2019.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=8 February 2023 |date=January 2023 |page=161 |publisher=FIFA |title=2023 Refereeing International Lists |url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/357d1bbadb3ef112/original/2023-FIFA-Refereeing-International-Lists.pdf |website=FIFA Digital Assets Hub}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frf.ro/recomandate/istvan-kovacs-promovare-in-elite-class/ |title=Istvan Kovacs, promovare în Elite Class |date=14 December 2019 |website=[[Romanian Football Federation]] |language=ro |trans-title=Istvan Kovacs, promotion to Elite Class |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/printoutfiles/competitions/uefachampionsleague/2023/e/e_2035649_pk.pdf |title=GNK Dinamo Zagreb – Chelsea FC Match press kit |date=5 September 2022 |website=UEFA.com |publisher=UEFA |page=2 |access-date=8 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/istvan-kovacs-in-istoria-arbitrajului-din-romania-648696.html |title=Istvan Kovacs intră în istoria arbitrajului din România! Doar 3 "centrali" au mai bifat această performanță importantă |last1=Crăiţoiu|first1=Andrei |last2=Manolache |first2=Liviu |date=6 December 2021 |website=[[Gazeta Sporturilor]] |language=ro |trans-title=Istvan Kovacs enters Romanian refereeing history! Only 3 "central" referees have ever achieved this important performance |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref>


==Career and notable events==
==Career==
Kovács was one of the two Romanian referees, the other one being Ovidiu Hațegan, selected for [[UEFA Euro 2020]]. He was in charge of one group stage game, the Group D fixture between the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]] and [[North Macedonia national football team|North Macedonia]] on June 21, 2021 in Amsterdam, which ended in a 3-0 victory for the Dutch.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ziare.com/ovidiu-hategan/arbitri-romani-la-euro-1674626 |title=Doi romani alesi de UEFA sa arbitreze meciuri la EURO. Cine sunt acestia |last=Serban |first=Teodor |date=21 April 2021 |website=Ziare.com |language=ro |trans-title=Two Romanians chosen by UEFA to referee matches at the EURO. Who they are |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/news/0268-12182cf1475f-825d23faf300-1000--referee-teams-for-uefa-euro-2020-appointed/ |title=Referee teams for UEFA EURO 2020 appointed |date=21 April 2021 |website=UEFA.com |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref>
Kovács was one of two Romanian referees selected to officiate in [[UEFA Euro 2020]], the other being Ovidiu Hațegan. He was in charge of one group stage game, the Group D fixture between the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]] and [[North Macedonia national football team|North Macedonia]] on 21 June 2021 in Amsterdam, which ended in a 3-0 victory for the Dutch.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ziare.com/ovidiu-hategan/arbitri-romani-la-euro-1674626 |title=Doi romani alesi de UEFA sa arbitreze meciuri la EURO. Cine sunt acestia |last=Serban |first=Teodor |date=21 April 2021 |website=Ziare.com |language=ro |trans-title=Two Romanians chosen by UEFA to referee matches at the EURO. Who they are |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/news/0268-12182cf1475f-825d23faf300-1000--referee-teams-for-uefa-euro-2020-appointed/ |title=Referee teams for UEFA EURO 2020 appointed |date=21 April 2021 |website=UEFA.com |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref>


On April 26, 2022, he officiated the first leg of the [[UEFA Champions League]] semi-final between [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] and [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] in [[Manchester]], which the Citizens won 4-3. Because of the good performance, Kovács was praised by the media, especially for the advantage let before [[Bernardo Silva|Bernardo Silva's]] goal. As a reward for his overall good performance, the UEFA Referees Committee chose him to officiate the [[2022 UEFA Europa Conference League final]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://romapress.net/istvan-kovacs-appointed-referee-for-conference-league-final-between-roma-and-feyenoord/ |title=Istvan Kovacs appointed referee for Conference League final between Roma and Feyenoord |date=13 May 2022 |website=RomaPress |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref name="Guardian" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.caughtoffside.com/2022/04/27/man-city-silva-goal-advantage-praised/ |title="Fantastic" decision to give advantage for Man City goal against Real Madrid, says Mark Halsey |last=Brus |first=Mark |date=27 April 2022 |website=CaughtOffside |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/26/manchester-city-real-madrid-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-match-report |title=Manchester City edge Real Madrid in 4-3 thriller but Benzema keeps tie alive |last=Hytner |first=David |date=26 April 2022 |website=[[The Guardian]] |location=Manchester |issn=1756-3224 |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref>
On 26 April 2022 he refereed the first leg of the [[UEFA Champions League]] semi-final between [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] and [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] in [[Manchester]], which City won 4-3. Because of the good performance, Kovács was praised by the media, especially for the advantage he allowed in the build-up to [[Bernardo Silva|Bernardo Silva's]] goal. As a reward for his good performance, the UEFA Referees Committee chose him to officiate the [[2022 UEFA Europa Conference League final]] between [[A.S. Roma]] and [[Feyenoord]], the first ever final of the competition. Roma won the final in Albania 1-0 and became the first title holders of the [[UEFA Conference League|UEFA Europa Conference League]].<ref name="UEFA">{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/protecting-the-game/news/0275-153851958c83-3a1b008ba484-1000--heady-times-for-tirana-final-referee-kovacs/ |title=Heady times for Tirana final referee Kovacs |date=24 May 2022 |website=UEFA.com |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |url=https://romapress.net/istvan-kovacs-appointed-referee-for-conference-league-final-between-roma-and-feyenoord/ |title=Istvan Kovacs appointed referee for Conference League final between Roma and Feyenoord |date=13 May 2022 |website=RomaPress |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.caughtoffside.com/2022/04/27/man-city-silva-goal-advantage-praised/ |title="Fantastic" decision to give advantage for Man City goal against Real Madrid, says Mark Halsey |last=Brus |first=Mark |date=27 April 2022 |website=CaughtOffside |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/26/manchester-city-real-madrid-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-match-report |title=Manchester City edge Real Madrid in 4-3 thriller but Benzema keeps tie alive |last=Hytner |first=David |date=26 April 2022 |website=[[The Guardian]] |location=Manchester |issn=1756-3224 |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref>


⚫
The same year, István Kovács was selected for the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]], along with his compatriot assistant referees Vasile Marinescu and Mihai Artene. He wasn't ultimately picked as overall referee for any match, but he was the fourth official in eight fixtures.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/cm-2022-qatar/de-ce-istvan-kovas-nu-a-arbitrat-la-cm-2022-si-a-fost-de-8-ori-rezerva-i-au-zis-sa-stea-pe-margine-pentru-ca-e-prea-bun-2107509 |title=De ce Istvan Kovacs nu a arbitrat la CM 2022 și a fost de 8 ori rezervă: "I-au zis să stea pe margine pentru că e prea bun" |date=16 December 2022 |website=[[Digi Sport (Romania)|Digi Sport]] |language=ro |trans-title=Why Istvan Kovacs did not referee at World Cup 2022 and was a reserve 8 times: "They told him to stay on the sidelines because he is too good" |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/1da4b811328add8f/original/MEDIA-Alphabetical-order-List-of-Match-Officials-FWC-2022-Qatar.pdf |title=List of appointed FIFA Match Officials |website=FIFA Digital Assets Hub |publisher=FIFA |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref>
[[2025 UEFA Conference League final|The final]] took place in [[Arena Kombëtare|Tirana]] on May 25 of the same year, and Kovács was in charge of the match between [[A.S. Roma]] and [[Feyenoord]], the first final in this competition. The Italians won the final in Albania 1-0 and became the first title holders of the [[UEFA Conference League|UEFA Europa Conference League]].<ref name="UEFA">{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/protecting-the-game/news/0275-153851958c83-3a1b008ba484-1000--heady-times-for-tirana-final-referee-kovacs/ |title=Heady times for Tirana final referee Kovacs |date=24 May 2022 |website=UEFA.com |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref>


⚫
On 19 January 2023 he refereed the final of the [[25th Arabian Gulf Cup]] between [[Iraq national football team|Iraq]] and [[Oman national football team|Oman]]. That same month, he was one of six match officials appointed for the [[2022 FIFA Club World Cup]] in Morocco. On 7 February he oversaw the semi-final between Brazilian side [[CR Flamengo|Flamengo]] and Saudi Arabian side [[Al Hilal SFC|Al Hilal]], which Al Hilal won 3-2.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/soccer/referees-named-ahead-of-fifa-club-world-cup-n/ |title=Referees named ahead of FIFA Club World Cup |last=Reidy |first=Paul |date=21 January 2023 |website=[[Diario AS]] |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/iraq-oman-get-ready-for-25th-gulf-cup-final/ |title=Iraq, Oman get ready for 25th Gulf Cup final |last=Salem |first=Amr |date=18 January 2023 |website=Iraqi News |location=Baghdad |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol/mundial-de-clubes/2023/02/07/63e2b91722601d36688b45c6.html |title=Flamengo y Al Hilal protagonizan un polémico cierre de primer tiempo: ¡VAR, penalti y expulsión! |last=Osornio |first=Alan |date=7 February 2023 |website=Marca Claro México |language=es-MX |trans-title=Flamengo and Al Hilal star in a controversial closing of the first half: VAR, penalty and sending off! |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>
⚫
The same year, István Kovács was appointed for the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]], along with his compatriot assistant referees Vasile Marinescu and Mihai Artene. He didn't got to be the referee for any match despite being the fourth official in eight fixtures.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/cm-2022-qatar/de-ce-istvan-kovas-nu-a-arbitrat-la-cm-2022-si-a-fost-de-8-ori-rezerva-i-au-zis-sa-stea-pe-margine-pentru-ca-e-prea-bun-2107509 |title=De ce Istvan Kovacs nu a arbitrat la CM 2022 și a fost de 8 ori rezervă: "I-au zis să stea pe margine pentru că e prea bun" |date=16 December 2022 |website=[[Digi Sport (Romania)|Digi Sport]] |language=ro |trans-title=Why Istvan Kovacs did not referee at World Cup 2022 and was a reserve 8 times: "They told him to stay on the sidelines because he is too good" |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/1da4b811328add8f/original/MEDIA-Alphabetical-order-List-of-Match-Officials-FWC-2022-Qatar.pdf |title=List of appointed FIFA Match Officials |website=FIFA Digital Assets Hub |publisher=FIFA |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref>


In June 2023, Kovács was appointed as the fourth official for the [[2023 UEFA Champions League final|UEFA Champions League final]] between Manchester City and [[Inter Milan]], which City won 1-0.<ref>{{cite news |title=Referee teams appointed for 2023 UEFA club competition finals |url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/0281-1812baf4488c-70b9f3974d92-1000/ |access-date=1 June 2023 |agency=UEFA |date=22 May 2023}}</ref>
⚫
On January 19 the following year, he refereed the final of the [[25th Arabian Gulf Cup]], disputed between [[Iraq national football team|Iraq]] and [[Oman national football team|Oman]]. The same month, he was one of six match officials appointed for the [[2022 FIFA Club World Cup]] in Morocco. On February 7, he oversaw the semi-final between Brazilian side [[CR Flamengo|Flamengo]] and Saudi Arabian side [[Al Hilal SFC|Al Hilal]], which Al Hilal won 3-2.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/soccer/referees-named-ahead-of-fifa-club-world-cup-n/ |title=Referees named ahead of FIFA Club World Cup |last=Reidy |first=Paul |date=21 January 2023 |website=[[Diario AS]] |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/iraq-oman-get-ready-for-25th-gulf-cup-final/ |title=Iraq, Oman get ready for 25th Gulf Cup final |last=Salem |first=Amr |date=18 January 2023 |website=Iraqi News |location=Baghdad |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol/mundial-de-clubes/2023/02/07/63e2b91722601d36688b45c6.html |title=Flamengo y Al Hilal protagonizan un polémico cierre de primer tiempo: ¡VAR, penalti y expulsión! |last=Osornio |first=Alan |date=7 February 2023 |website=Marca Claro México |language=es-MX |trans-title=Flamengo and Al Hilal star in a controversial closing of the first half: VAR, penalty and sending off! |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>


In June 2023, Kovács was appointed as the fourth official for the [[2023 UEFA Champions League final|UEFA Champions League final]] between Manchester City and [[Inter Milan]], which the Citizens won 1-0.<ref>{{cite news |title=Referee teams appointed for 2023 UEFA club competition finals |url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/0281-1812baf4488c-70b9f3974d92-1000/ |access-date=1 June 2023 |agency=UEFA |date=22 May 2023}}</ref>
In May 2024, he was selected by UEFA to referee the [[2024 UEFA Europa League Final|UEFA Europa League Final]] between [[Atalanta BC|Atalanta]] and [[Bayer 04 Leverkusen|Bayer Leverkusen]], on 22 May in the [[Aviva Stadium]] in Dublin. Atalanta won the match 3-0, breaking Leverkusen's record-break winning streak. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/028d-1ae109919f08-661e0d65ffdb-1000--referee-teams-for-2024-uefa-club-competition-finals-anno/ |title=Referee teams for 2024 UEFA club competition finals announced |publisher=UEFA |date=13 May 2024 |access-date=13 May 2024 }}</ref>
⚫
As expected, he was picked for [[UEFA Euro 2024]], where he officiated two group stage fixtures–Slovenia vs. Serbia on 20 June, and Czech Republic vs. Turkey on 26 June. In the latter game, Kovács broke the European Championship record for the most cautions between both teams in a single match, handing out sixteen yellow cards and two reds. By sending off Czech midfielder [[Antonín Barák]] for a second bookable offence only 20 minutes into the match, he also broke the record for the fastest red card in the history of the European Championship. Czech striker [[Tomáš Chorý]] was shown a direct red card during a melée between the two teams after the end of the match.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5589996/2024/06/26/czech-republic-turkey-euro-2024/|title=Czech Republic 1 Turkey 2: Most cards in Euros history, Montella's entertainers qualify, Czechs out |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=27 June 2024 |access-date=27 June 2024 }}</ref>

In April 2024, he refereed second leg of [[2023-24 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] [[2023–24_UEFA_Champions_League_knockout_phase#Barcelona_v_Paris_Saint-Germain|quarter-final clash]] between [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] and [[Paris Saint-Germain]] where his performance was criticised by Barcelona' manager [[Xavi (footballer, born 1980)|Xavi]] after PSG eventually beats Barcelona 4–1, and 6–4 on aggregate. Kovacs sent off Barcelona defender [[Ronald Araújo]] after he fouled [[Bradley Barcola]] in first half. He also sent off Xavi and goalkeeping coach [[Jose Ramon De la Fuente]] in second half.

The following match, hwas selected by UEFA to referee [[2024 UEFA Europa League Final|UEFA Europa League Final]] between [[Atalanta BC|Atalanta]] and [[Bayer 04 Leverkusen|Bayer Leverkusen]], which took place on May 22 on [[Aviva Stadium]] in Dublin. Atalanta won the match 3-0 and stopped Leverkusen's record-break winning streak. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/028d-1ae109919f08-661e0d65ffdb-1000--referee-teams-for-2024-uefa-club-competition-finals-anno/ |title=Referee teams for 2024 UEFA club competition finals announced |publisher=UEFA |date=13 May 2024 |access-date=13 May 2024 }}</ref>
⚫
As expected, he was picked for [[UEFA Euro 2024]], where he officiated two group stage fixtures, between Slovenia and Serbia on June 20, and between Czech Republic and Turkey, in which he handed out sixteen yellow cards and two red ones, breaking the European Championship record for the most cautions among both teams in a single match. By sending off Czech Republic's [[Antonín Barák]] only 20 minutes into the match, he also broke the record for the fastest red card in the history of the European Championship. He also sent off another Czech player, [[Tomáš Chorý]] at the end of the match.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5589996/2024/06/26/czech-republic-turkey-euro-2024/|title=Czech Republic 1 Turkey 2: Most cards in Euros history, Montella’s entertainers qualify, Czechs out |publisher=NYtimes.com |date=27 June 2024 |access-date=27 June 2024 }}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Kovács is part of the [[Hungarians in Romania|Hungarian minority in Romania]], and is also [[Germans of Romania|part-German]] through his maternal side. He concomitant holds both a Romanian and a Hungarian passport His younger brother, Szabolcs, is also a referee in the [[Liga I]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nazare |first1=Daniel |last2=Toma |first2=Răzvan |date=22 December 2020 |title=Szabolcs, fratele lui Istvan Kovacs, a debutat ca arbitru de centru în Liga 1. Au mai existat astfel de cazuri în fotbalul românesc? |trans-title=Szabolcs, Istvan Kovacs' brother, made his debut as a central referee in Liga 1. Have there been such cases in Romanian football? |url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/szabolcs-fratele-lui-istvan-kovacs-a-debutat-ca-arbitru-de-centru-in-liga-1-19169483 |access-date=24 February 2023 |website=[[Prosport]] |language=ro}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Somogyi |first=Zsolt |date=13 January 2020 |title=Kovács István: Semmiféle hátrányom nem származott a származásomból |trans-title=István Kovács: I had no disadvantages because of my origin |url=https://www.nemzetisport.hu/minden_mas_foci/kovacs-istvan-semmifele-hatranyom-nem-szarmazott-a-szarmazasombol-2741861 |access-date=25 February 2023 |website=[[Nemzeti Sport]] |language=hu |quote=Anyai ágon sváb a családunk, apai ágon magyar, így kétezertizenegyben kettős állampolgár lettem, és erre nagyon büszke vagyok. |trans-quote=My family is Swabian on my mother's side and Hungarian on my father's side, so I became a dual citizen in 2011, and I'm very proud of that.}}</ref>
Kovács is part of the [[Hungarians in Romania|Hungarian minority in Romania]], and is also [[Germans of Romania|part-German]] through his maternal side. He holds both a Romanian and a Hungarian passport. His younger brother, Szabolcs, is also a referee in the Romanian [[Liga I]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nazare |first1=Daniel |last2=Toma |first2=Răzvan |date=22 December 2020 |title=Szabolcs, fratele lui Istvan Kovacs, a debutat ca arbitru de centru în Liga 1. Au mai existat astfel de cazuri în fotbalul românesc? |trans-title=Szabolcs, Istvan Kovacs' brother, made his debut as a central referee in Liga 1. Have there been such cases in Romanian football? |url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/szabolcs-fratele-lui-istvan-kovacs-a-debutat-ca-arbitru-de-centru-in-liga-1-19169483 |access-date=24 February 2023 |website=[[Prosport]] |language=ro}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Somogyi |first=Zsolt |date=13 January 2020 |title=Kovács István: Semmiféle hátrányom nem származott a származásomból |trans-title=István Kovács: I had no disadvantages because of my origin |url=https://www.nemzetisport.hu/minden_mas_foci/kovacs-istvan-semmifele-hatranyom-nem-szarmazott-a-szarmazasombol-2741861 |access-date=25 February 2023 |website=[[Nemzeti Sport]] |language=hu |quote=Anyai ágon sváb a családunk, apai ágon magyar, így kétezertizenegyben kettős állampolgár lettem, és erre nagyon büszke vagyok. |trans-quote=My family is Swabian on my mother's side and Hungarian on my father's side, so I became a dual citizen in 2011, and I'm very proud of that.}}</ref>


He was born in [[Carei]], [[Satu Mare County]], and currently resides in [[Cluj-Napoca]]. In early 2023, after his overall good performance in his refereeing career, he became a Honorary Citizen of Carei.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frf.ro/recomandate/istvan-kovacs-cetatean-de-onoare-al-careiului/ |title=Istvan Kovacs, Cetățean de Onoare al Careiului |date=26 January 2023 |website=Romanian Football Federation |language=ro |trans-title=Istvan Kovacs, Honorary Citizen of Carei |access-date=25 February 2023}}</ref>
He was born in [[Carei]], [[Satu Mare County]], and currently resides in [[Cluj-Napoca]]. In recognition of his refereeing career, he became a Honorary Citizen of Carei in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frf.ro/recomandate/istvan-kovacs-cetatean-de-onoare-al-careiului/ |title=Istvan Kovacs, Cetățean de Onoare al Careiului |date=26 January 2023 |website=Romanian Football Federation |language=ro |trans-title=Istvan Kovacs, Honorary Citizen of Carei |access-date=25 February 2023}}</ref>
==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of FIFA international referees]]
* [[List of FIFA international referees]]
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[[Category:Romanian people of German descent]]
[[Category:Romanian people of German descent]]
[[Category:Romanian schoolteachers]]
[[Category:Romanian schoolteachers]]



{{Romania-footy-bio-stub}}
{{Romania-footy-bio-stub}}

Latest revision as of 10:23, 12 November 2024

The native form of this personal name is Kovács István. This article uses Western name order when mentioning individuals.
István Kovács
Kovács in 2020
Born (1984-09-16) 16 September 1984 (age 40)
Carei, Romania
Other occupation PE teacher
Domestic
Years League Role
2007– Liga I Referee
International
Years League Role
2010– FIFA listed Referee
2019– UEFA Elite Referee
2021– FIFA listed Video match official

István Kovács (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈiʃtvaːn ˈkovaːt͡ʃ]; born 16 September 1984) is a Romanian football referee who primarily officiates in the Liga I. He has been a full international for FIFA since 2018, and a UEFA elite referee since 2019.[1][2][3][4]

Career

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Kovács was one of two Romanian referees selected to officiate in UEFA Euro 2020, the other being Ovidiu Hațegan. He was in charge of one group stage game, the Group D fixture between the Netherlands and North Macedonia on 21 June 2021 in Amsterdam, which ended in a 3-0 victory for the Dutch.[5][6]

On 26 April 2022 he refereed the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Manchester City and Real Madrid in Manchester, which City won 4-3. Because of the good performance, Kovács was praised by the media, especially for the advantage he allowed in the build-up to Bernardo Silva's goal. As a reward for his good performance, the UEFA Referees Committee chose him to officiate the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League final between A.S. Roma and Feyenoord, the first ever final of the competition. Roma won the final in Albania 1-0 and became the first title holders of the UEFA Europa Conference League.[7] [8][9][10]

The same year, István Kovács was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, along with his compatriot assistant referees Vasile Marinescu and Mihai Artene. He wasn't ultimately picked as overall referee for any match, but he was the fourth official in eight fixtures.[11][12]

On 19 January 2023 he refereed the final of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup between Iraq and Oman. That same month, he was one of six match officials appointed for the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco. On 7 February he oversaw the semi-final between Brazilian side Flamengo and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, which Al Hilal won 3-2.[13][14][15]

In June 2023, Kovács was appointed as the fourth official for the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan, which City won 1-0.[16]

In May 2024, he was selected by UEFA to referee the UEFA Europa League Final between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen, on 22 May in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Atalanta won the match 3-0, breaking Leverkusen's record-break winning streak. [17] As expected, he was picked for UEFA Euro 2024, where he officiated two group stage fixtures–Slovenia vs. Serbia on 20 June, and Czech Republic vs. Turkey on 26 June. In the latter game, Kovács broke the European Championship record for the most cautions between both teams in a single match, handing out sixteen yellow cards and two reds. By sending off Czech midfielder Antonín Barák for a second bookable offence only 20 minutes into the match, he also broke the record for the fastest red card in the history of the European Championship. Czech striker Tomáš Chorý was shown a direct red card during a melée between the two teams after the end of the match.[18]

Personal life

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Kovács is part of the Hungarian minority in Romania, and is also part-German through his maternal side. He holds both a Romanian and a Hungarian passport. His younger brother, Szabolcs, is also a referee in the Romanian Liga I.[19][20]

He was born in Carei, Satu Mare County, and currently resides in Cluj-Napoca. In recognition of his refereeing career, he became a Honorary Citizen of Carei in 2023.[21]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "2023 Refereeing International Lists" (PDF). FIFA Digital Assets Hub. FIFA. January 2023. p. 161. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  2. ^ "Istvan Kovacs, promovare în Elite Class" [Istvan Kovacs, promotion to Elite Class]. Romanian Football Federation (in Romanian). 14 December 2019. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  3. ^ "GNK Dinamo Zagreb – Chelsea FC Match press kit" (PDF). UEFA.com. UEFA. 5 September 2022. p. 2. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  4. ^ Crăiţoiu, Andrei; Manolache, Liviu (6 December 2021). "Istvan Kovacs intră în istoria arbitrajului din România! Doar 3 "centrali" au mai bifat această performanță importantă" [Istvan Kovacs enters Romanian refereeing history! Only 3 "central" referees have ever achieved this important performance]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  5. ^ Serban, Teodor (21 April 2021). "Doi romani alesi de UEFA sa arbitreze meciuri la EURO. Cine sunt acestia" [Two Romanians chosen by UEFA to referee matches at the EURO. Who they are]. Ziare.com (in Romanian). Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  6. ^ "Referee teams for UEFA EURO 2020 appointed". UEFA.com. 21 April 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  7. ^ "Heady times for Tirana final referee Kovacs". UEFA.com. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  8. ^ "Istvan Kovacs appointed referee for Conference League final between Roma and Feyenoord". RomaPress. 13 May 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  9. ^ Brus, Mark (27 April 2022). ""Fantastic" decision to give advantage for Man City goal against Real Madrid, says Mark Halsey". CaughtOffside. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  10. ^ Hytner, David (26 April 2022). "Manchester City edge Real Madrid in 4-3 thriller but Benzema keeps tie alive". The Guardian. Manchester. ISSN 1756-3224. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  11. ^ "De ce Istvan Kovacs nu a arbitrat la CM 2022 și a fost de 8 ori rezervă: "I-au zis să stea pe margine pentru că e prea bun"" [Why Istvan Kovacs did not referee at World Cup 2022 and was a reserve 8 times: "They told him to stay on the sidelines because he is too good"]. Digi Sport (in Romanian). 16 December 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  12. ^ "List of appointed FIFA Match Officials" (PDF). FIFA Digital Assets Hub. FIFA. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  13. ^ Reidy, Paul (21 January 2023). "Referees named ahead of FIFA Club World Cup". Diario AS. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  14. ^ Salem, Amr (18 January 2023). "Iraq, Oman get ready for 25th Gulf Cup final". Iraqi News. Baghdad. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  15. ^ Osornio, Alan (7 February 2023). "Flamengo y Al Hilal protagonizan un polémico cierre de primer tiempo: ¡VAR, penalti y expulsión!" [Flamengo and Al Hilal star in a controversial closing of the first half: VAR, penalty and sending off!]. Marca Claro México (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  16. ^ "Referee teams appointed for 2023 UEFA club competition finals". UEFA. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  17. ^ "Referee teams for 2024 UEFA club competition finals announced". UEFA. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  18. ^ "Czech Republic 1 Turkey 2: Most cards in Euros history, Montella's entertainers qualify, Czechs out". The New York Times. 27 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  19. ^ Nazare, Daniel; Toma, Răzvan (22 December 2020). "Szabolcs, fratele lui Istvan Kovacs, a debutat ca arbitru de centru în Liga 1. Au mai existat astfel de cazuri în fotbalul românesc?" [Szabolcs, Istvan Kovacs' brother, made his debut as a central referee in Liga 1. Have there been such cases in Romanian football?]. Prosport (in Romanian). Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  20. ^ Somogyi, Zsolt (13 January 2020). "Kovács István: Semmiféle hátrányom nem származott a származásomból" [István Kovács: I had no disadvantages because of my origin]. Nemzeti Sport (in Hungarian). Retrieved 25 February 2023. Anyai ágon sváb a családunk, apai ágon magyar, így kétezertizenegyben kettős állampolgár lettem, és erre nagyon büszke vagyok. [My family is Swabian on my mother's side and Hungarian on my father's side, so I became a dual citizen in 2011, and I'm very proud of that.]
  21. ^ "Istvan Kovacs, Cetățean de Onoare al Careiului" [Istvan Kovacs, Honorary Citizen of Carei]. Romanian Football Federation (in Romanian). 26 January 2023. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
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Sporting positions

Romania István Kovács

Preceded by UEFA Europa League Final Referee
2024 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
No previous competition
 UEFA Europa Conference League Final Referee
2022 		Succeeded by


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