Referee dropped by UEFA for rest of season after controversial decisions in Barcelona's Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid

Referee Kovacs will reportedly not officiate another Champions League match this season following the heated quarter-final first leg clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou. According to Cope radio program "El Partidazo", UEFA’s decision was primarily linked to Kovacs’ handling of a key disciplinary moment involving Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi. The young centre-back initially received only a yellow card for his foul on Giuliano Simeone before VAR advised the referee to upgrade the decision to a straight red. 

UEFA officials reportedly considered the failure to issue the red card immediately a serious officiating error, prompting the governing body to remove Kovacs from the elite rotation for the competition’s final stages. Spanish journalist Isaac Fouto discussed UEFA’s stance on the controversial Cubarsi dismissal during El Partidazo de Cope. "Yesterday's referee will not officiate again, but for the error of not sending off Cubarsí live," he said.

While UEFA’s focus was on the Cubarsi dismissal, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was angered by a different incident during the 2-0 defeat. The German manager criticised officials after Marc Pubill appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area following a short goal kick from goalkeeper Juan Musso.

"I don't know why VAR didn't intervene," Flick told Movistar. "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."

Despite being effectively suspended for the remainder of the 2025-26 Champions League season, Kovacs does not appear to be facing a long-term ban from international duties, according to Diario Sport. The Romanian remains on the preliminary list of officials for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.