UEFA rejects Barça complaint over Kovacs refereeing | OneFootball

UEFA has rejected Barcelona's protest over Istvan Kovacs's refereeing in their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atlético Madrid. The governing body said its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body ruled the complaint inadmissible on 13 April 2026.

Barcelona's case centred on a 54th-minute incident they considered a clear handball penalty by Marc Pubill. Goalkeeper Juan Musso had put the ball back into play with a goal kick, Pubill then stopped it with his hands, yet neither Kovacs nor VAR intervened despite repeated protests from Barça players and head coach Hansi Flick.

In its submission, the club sought an investigation, access to the officials' communications and, if appropriate, formal acknowledgement of errors and corrective measures. Barcelona also maintained that the referee had a clear view of the action and expected VAR to correct what it called a significant mistake.

The referee judged that play had not restarted when Pubill handled the ball, and Atlético relied on that interpretation to defend the decision. This was central to why the incident did not result in a penalty.

The return leg is on Tuesday at the Metropolitano, where Flick's side must overturn the 0-2 deficit from the Spotify Camp Nou to reach the semi-finals.

UEFA also reassured Barcelona over the condition of the Metropolitano pitch for tonight's game. The ruling has closed the matter without examining Barcelona's arguments.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo