Mourinho's nightmare »Istvan Kovacs, again delegated to Fenerbahce's match, one year after the conflict between the two
Article by Alexandru Stanciu – published on Thursday, July 31, 2025, 18:23 / Updated Thursday, July 31, 2025 18:23
Istvan Kovacs (40 years old) was delegated by UEFA to the “center” at the match between Fenerbahce and Feyenoordthe second sleeve of the “double” of the third preliminary round of the Champions League.
A year ago, also in the third preliminary round of the Champions League, Kovacs arbitrated the tour between Lille and Fenerbahce, lost by Jose Mourinho's team with a score of 1-2.
The Lusitan technician was a car of nerves after the Romanian referee's decision to give you “yellow” to Edin Dzeko, and after only 10 minutes of play Kovacs he also warned Mourinho. Fenerbahce would lose “double” with Lille, after the return match ended with a score of 1-1.
Istvan Kovacs and Jose Mourinho / Photo: Talksport capture
Istvan Kovacs, delegated by UEFA to Fenerbahce – Feyenoord
Istvan Kovacs was delegated for the first time this European season, in the second leg of the “double” between Fenerbahce and Feyenoord, which will take place on August 13, in Turkey.
The Romanian referee has been delegated to a single match so far, this season of Superliga, the draw between Rapid and CFR Cluj, 1-1, from the second stage.
Last time, Kovacs had arbitrated the failure of Atletico Madrid with PSG from the World Club Championship groups 2025, score 0-4. The Romanian was then vehemently criticized by the Spaniards, being accused of having a “biased” way.
Previously, Kovacs had been “central” at the historical triumph of Parisians in the Champions League final, 5-0 with Inter Milan.
At the match in Turkey, between Fenerbahce and Feyenoord, Istvan Kovacs will have assistants Mihai Marica and Tunyogi, and the fourth official will be Marcel Bîrsan, all from Romania,
The referee in the lime room will be Daniele Chiffi, and his assistant will be Luca Pairetto, both from Italy. The match in the first leg will take place on August 6, at Rotterdam, and will be arbitrated by the Swedish Glenn Nyberg.
