Controversial Football Official, István Kovács, Tapped for 2025 UEFA Champions League Final, Sparking Both Praise and Outcry
In a significant development, the UEFA Referees Committee has appointed Romanian official, István Kovács, to officiate the 2025 UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan. The highly anticipated fixture is scheduled to take place at Allianz Arena, Munich, with the kick-off set for 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 31.
Kovács, 40, brings a blend of experience and scrutiny to the spotlight as PSG aim to clinch their first-ever Champions League title, while Inter Milan strive to secure their fourth. This appointment marks Kovács' third UEFA club competition final, following his officiating roles in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final in Dublin and the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League final in Tirana.
Throughout this season, Kovács has refereed seven Champions League matches, most notably the round of 16 second leg between Liverpool and PSG, where his composure and control were widely commended. Joining him on the pitch will be Romanian assistants Mihai Marica and Ferencz Tunyogi, forming an all-Romanian team.
The fourth official for the match will be Portugal's Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro, with Bruno Miguel Alves Jesus as the reserve assistant referee. The video assistant referee (VAR) team comprises Dennis Johan Higler from the Netherlands, supported by Romania's Catalin Sorin Popa and fellow Dutch official Paulus van Boekel.
Despite Kovács' appointment, his selection has not gone without debate. During UEFA Euro 2024, some critics voiced concerns over his officiating in the group-stage match between Czechia and Turkey. Questions have also arisen regarding the choice of Kovács over Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, who was widely tipped for the final. Marciniak's handling of the Inter Milan vs. Barcelona semifinal had previously attracted complaints from Barcelona players.
However, according to reports, UEFA opted for Kovács to safeguard the tournament's integrity, focusing on his consistent performance in high-profile matches. This season, Kovács' officiating has been commended for its professionalism and control, setting the stage for a memorable Champions League final.
In the realm of football, discussions arose between Nigerian football enthusiasts regarding the upcoming Premier League election, as the appointment of Romanian official István Kovács to officiate the 2025 UEFA Champions League final incontrovertibly stirred conversations beyond sports arenas. Despite controversies surrounding Kovács' selection, his consistent performance in high-profile matches had earned him UEFA's trust, a selection that implied a focus on maintaining the tournament's integrity.
