Meet Istvan Kovacs: The PE Teacher Turned Elite Football Referee
ISTVAN KOVACS is used to brushing away nonsense from footballers – given he deals with rowdy pupils in his day job as a PE teacher. The 39-year-old Romanian has been picked to officiate at Euro 2024, having also reffed in Euro 2020.
1
Credit: AFP
Who is Istvan Kovacs?
Kovacs, a native of Carei, grew up a sports fanatic and turned his attention to officiating from a young age. After following his dream, he was appointed as a professional referee in his homeland ahead of the 2007/08 season.
Within three years, Kovacs officiated 17 Romanian top-flight fixtures and became a fixture at the top level of European football, taking charge of numerous Europa League and Champions League matches.
Most read in World Cup 2022
He had a perfect view as Ademola Lookman scored a brilliant hat-trick in the final of the Europa League last month. However, he was in Xavi’s crosshairs in April after Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.
The ex-Barca coach was sent off after complaining over a penalty decision against PSG. Xavi criticized the referee’s performance, saying it completely changed the game and was too harsh.
What games will Istvan Kovacs officiate at Euro 2024?
Uefa has yet to reveal the specific matches that Istvan Kovacs will officiate at Euro 2024. Stay tuned as the tournament approaches for updates.