Background on the Referee

Romanian referee István Kovács has been selected to oversee the 2025 UEFA Champions League final at Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31, marking a career-defining moment and a milestone for Romanian officiating. At 40 years old, Kovács will referee his first Champions League Final following high-profile assignments in the Europa League and Europa Conference League finals .

A Season of High-Stakes Experience

Kovács enters the final with significant familiarity of both finalists. This season, he officiated seven Champions League matches including PSG's penalty shootout victory over Liverpool in the Round of 16 and Inter Milan's 1-0 win over Arsenal in the group stage. His calm handling of PSG's dramatic knockout clash has drawn UEFA praise.

Journey to the Top

Rising from Romania's Liga I ranks, Kovács became a FIFA referee in 2010. His international breakthrough came at Euro 2024, where he issued the fastest red card (20 minutes) in European Championship history and set a record with 16 yellow cards in a single match. These performances underscore his assertive yet disciplined style.

The Finalists

PSG's Star Power

Paris Saint-Germain, led by Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, advanced through a 3-1 aggregate victory over Arsenal. Their attacking flair will test Inter's organized defense.

Inter's Tactical Resilience

Inter Milan secured their final spot with a thrilling 7-6 semi-final win over Barcelona. Their counter-attacking precision and defensive rigor form a strong contrast to PSG's style.

Historical Context

The Allianz Arena has a tradition of hosting historic finals, including Chelsea's 2012 Champions League triumph - the third straight first-time winner crowned at this venue. This match could see PSG end their Champions League drought or Inter revive their European glory.

Controversy and Credibility

Despite a 2023 legal challenge from Napoli fans over a Champions League quarter-final, Kovács' performance in the 2024 Europa League final reaffirmed his impartiality. UEFA's repeated trust in him for major finals reflects confidence in his decision-making under pressure.

Conclusion

As football's biggest stage approaches, Kovács' experience, composure, and familiarity with both teams position him to deliver a pivotal performance. The match not only decides European supremacy but also marks a defining moment for Romanian officiating.

Keywords: István Kovács, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Inter Milan, UEFA Champions League Final