The delegation of the Romanian referee Istvan Kovac to the match of the 1/8 finals of the Europa League between Villarreal and Marseille caused the displeasure of the French, who sent a complaint to UEFA.

Istvan KovacsPhoto: Orange Pics BV / Alamy / Alamy / Profimedia

Marseille sent a complaint to UEFA regarding the delegation of Istvan Kovac

Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs will officiate Thursday’s Europa League match between Villarreal and Marseille, with Vasile Marinescu and Ovidiu Artene completing the Romanian team.

Andrii Kivulete has been delegated as a reserve referee, while Katalin Popa and Horaciu Fesnich will be in the VAR room.

The message caused the complete displeasure of the French, who have unpleasant memories of the Romanian official.

In August 2023, Kovacs was central in the Champions League match between Panathinaikos and Olympique de Marseille, which the Greeks won 1-0.

After the match, OM complained to UEFA about the sending off of Geoffrey Kondogbia, who they felt was too easily given two yellow cards.

Now the management of Marseille sent a new complaint to UEFA, protesting against the delegation of the referee from Carey for the new game, writes L’Equipe.

In the round, OM beat the Spaniards from Villarreal at home with a score of 4:0.