The news fell on Monday and she has something to cringe from the Parisian side. UEFA has formalized the name of the referee who will direct the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, May 31 in Munich. It will be the Romanian Istvan Kovacs. A choice which, at first glance, could seem trivial. But by looking at it, the profile of the man in black has everything to arouse the distrust of PSG.
An unfavorable precedent in Germany
Kovacs is not a stranger for the capital's club. This season again, he officiated in two PSG games in the Champions League. The first dates back last November to the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich (1-0), theater of the future final. That evening, Paris had bowed and had seen Ousmane Dembélé expelled prematurely, which had compromised the hopes back. A precedent that leaves a bitter taste, especially when approaching such a crucial meeting … on the same land.
An evening in Anfield which is not enough to reassure
This is true, Kovacs was also in charge of the 8th finals return against Liverpool, the evening when Paris qualified for penalties in Anfield. A sober arbitration performance, in a game, however tense. But this heroic evening was more marked by Donnarumma than by Kovacs. And despite this happy memory, doubts persist as for the constancy of his decisions, especially in the big matches.
Arbitration: PSG already fears the role of Kovacs in the final
An experienced referee … but often divisive
With 29 C1 games to his credit, Kovacs has the experience. He also arbitrated Inter Milan three times, including their victory against Arsenal this season. But its emotional management and its propensity to take the boxes out in hot moments can worry. Paris, often penalized in major European meetings, has learned to be wary of this type of profile.
Paris on his guard before Munich
The appointment of ISTVAN Kovacs is not a guarantee of defeat. But it forces PSG to prepare for all eventualities. In a final where every detail will count, the identity of the referee can quickly become a determining factor. And this one does not really reassure.
