UEFA Rejects Barcelona's Protest Against Referee Kovacs, Deems It 'Inadmissible' - Elbotola
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UEFA Rejects Barcelona's Protest Against Referee Kovacs, Deems It 'Inadmissible'

UEFA Rejects Barcelona's Protest Against Referee Kovacs, Deems It 'Inadmissible'

T.E (Elbotola)
14 April 2026at12:22

Barcelona has received an official response from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) regarding the complaint they filed last week, following their match against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Catalan club had lost the first leg 0-2 at the Camp Nou, and subsequently lodged a protest with UEFA concerning the refereeing decisions.

Barcelona's complaint was directed against Romanian referee István Kovács, protesting the failure to award them a penalty kick and the decision not to send off Atlético Madrid player Marc Bobel with a second yellow card for allegedly handling the ball after a pass from goalkeeper Juan Musso, who had resumed play.

UEFA's response to Barcelona's complaint came via an official statement: "Barcelona submitted a protest regarding a refereeing decision, and on April 13, 2026, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body declared the protest inadmissible."

What did UEFA decide regarding Barcelona's protest?

UEFA declared Barcelona's protest against referee István Kovács "inadmissible" following their Champions League quarter-final first-leg match. The Catalan club had complained about specific refereeing decisions during their 0-2 loss to Atlético Madrid.

Why did Barcelona file a protest against the referee?

Barcelona filed a protest because they believed referee István Kovács made critical errors during their Champions League match. They specifically cited the failure to award a penalty and not sending off an Atlético Madrid player for an alleged handball.

What are the implications of UEFA's decision for Barcelona?

UEFA's decision means Barcelona's complaint regarding the refereeing in their Champions League quarter-final first leg is officially closed. The ruling confirms the initial match outcome and refereeing decisions stand, with no further review or action to be taken by UEFA.
FC Barcelona
Atletico Madrid

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