UEFA drops referee after controversial decision in Barcelona Champions League loss to Atletico

UEFA has removed Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs from officiating for the remainder of the 2025-26 Champions League season following controversial decisions during Atletico Madrid's 2-0 victory over Barcelona. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his frustration over the lack of a penalty for a handball and Kovacs' initial failure to send off defender Pau Cubarsi. Despite being sidelined, Kovacs is not facing a long-term ban and remains on the preliminary list of referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.