European soccer governing body sacks official following disputed call in Barcelona's Champions League defeat at hands of Atletico

UEFA has taken the decision to remove Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs from officiating any further matches in the 2025-26 Champions League season, following his handling of Atletico Madrid's 2-0 win over Barcelona, which was marked by contentious decisions.

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The quarter-final first leg at the Camp Nou was notable for disputes over a red card and a potential handball penalty, leaving Barcelona coach Hansi Flick visibly frustrated with the officiating.

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Spanish radio station Cope's programme El Partidazo has revealed that UEFA's decision was primarily driven by Kovacs' initial failure to send off Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi for a foul on Giuliano Simeone, with the referee initially issuing a yellow card before VAR intervened to upgrade it to a straight red.

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Journalist Isaac Fouto confirmed on the programme that Kovacs will not officiate again in the Champions League this season, stating "Yesterday's referee will not officiate again, but for the error of not sending off Cubarsí live."

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While UEFA's focus was on the Cubarsi incident, Hansi Flick was also upset about another moment in the game, where Atletico's Marc Pubill appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area after a short goal kick.

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Flick expressed his frustration to Movistar, saying "I don't know why VAR didn't intervene, we all make mistakes, but what's the point of VAR? I can't understand it, it should be a penalty, a second yellow card, and a red, this is what can't happen."

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Despite being removed from Champions League duties for the remainder of the season, Kovacs is not facing a long-term ban, and remains on the preliminary list of referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.