RomaniaMatches analysed: 1502023–2026Istvan Kovacs: referee stats
Istvan Kovacs (Romania) has shown 4.98 cards per game in 150 analysed matches — +15% compared with the average of the same leagues. Profile: strict.
Strict · +15%Upcoming matches with Istvan Kovacs
Referee radar
Percentile among 2957 referees with at least 15 matches; 50 = typical referee. Each axis compares the referee with the average of the leagues where this referee officiates.
Cards per match (last 20 matches)
Istvan Kovacs by competition
| Competition | Matches | Cards/g | League avg | vs league | Penalty | Red card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Liga I | 61 | 5.07 | 4.51 | +11% | 31% | 23% |
| UEFA Champions League | 28 | 4.79 | 4.14 | +11% | 14% | 29% |
 NB I | 16 | 5.13 | 4.70 | +6% | 38% | 19% |
| NB II | 8 | 4.50 | 3.51 | +11% | 38% | 25% |
 Pro League | 8 | 4.75 | 4.22 | +6% | 38% | 13% |
| UEFA Europa League | 6 | 5.50 | 4.47 | +9% | 33% | 17% |
| Gulf Cup of Nations | 4 | 4.00 | 3.92 | +1% | 75% | 0% |
| World Cup - Qualification Europe | 3 | 5.33 | 3.60 | +10% | 0% | 33% |
| Euro Championship - Qualification | 3 | 6.00 | 4.40 | +9% | 33% | 33% |
| World Cup | 2 | 1.50 | 2.62 | −5% | 50% | 0% |
| Euro Championship | 2 | 13.00 | 4.33 | +34% | 0% | 50% |
| UEFA Nations League | 2 | 3.50 | 4.77 | −5% | 0% | 0% |
Last matches refereed by Istvan Kovacs
| Date | Match | Score | Cards (home–away) | Fouls | Pen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 5 Sept | Dinamo Bucuresti – FCSBLiga I | 2:1 | 9 | 23 | 1 |
| Fri 28 Aug | Al Khaleej Saihat – Al-Hilal Saudi FCPro League | 1:5 | 2 | 12 | 1 |
| Tue 25 Aug | Sabah FA – Hapoel Beer ShevaUEFA Champions League | 5:2 | 4 | 35 | 0 |
| Sat 22 Aug | Uta Arad – Corvinul HunedoaraLiga I | 0:0 | 6 | 37 | 0 |
| Sat 15 Aug | Nyiregyhaza – Kisvarda FCNB I | 2:1 | 5 | — | 0 |
| Fri 14 Aug | FC Voluntari – Petrolul PloiestiLiga I | 1:2 | 8 | 28 | 1 |
| Tue 11 Aug | Bodo/Glimt – Union St. GilloiseUEFA Champions League | 3:2 | 5 | 21 | 0 |
| Sat 1 Aug | Chengdu Better City – Wuhan Three TownsSuper League | 1:1 | 3 | 15 | 1 |
| Sat 25 Jul | Dinamo Bucuresti – Universitatea CraiovaLiga I | 5:1 | 4 | 21 | 1 |
| Sun 28 Jun | Jordan – ArgentinaWorld Cup | 1:3 | 3 | 20 | 1 |
| Sun 21 Jun | Tunisia – JapanWorld Cup | 0:4 | 0 | 23 | 0 |
| Sun 24 May | FCSB – FC BotosaniLiga I | 4:3 | 7 | 38 | 2 |
| Fri 8 May | CFR 1907 Cluj – Universitatea CraiovaLiga I | 0:0 | 4 | 28 | 0 |
| Mon 4 May | Unirea Slobozia – AFC HermannstadtLiga I | 2:2 | 4 | 26 | 1 |
| Sat 2 May | Kazincbarcikai – Kisvarda FCNB I | 2:1 | 6 | — | 0 |
How the numbers are calculated
Cards = yellow and red cards shown to players during 90 minutes (a second yellow counts as a yellow plus a red, as most bookmakers settle). Cards for coaches and substitutes on the bench and cards in extra time are excluded. Penalties = penalties awarded during the match (shoot-outs excluded). “vs league” compares the referee with the average of the exact league seasons this referee worked, so a referee from a card-heavy league is not called strict just because of the league.
Data: official match events and statistics (API-Sports), updated daily.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards does Istvan Kovacs give per game?
On average 4.98 cards per game in 150 analysed matches (league average in the same competitions: 4.30).
Is Istvan Kovacs a strict referee?
Compared with the leagues where Istvan Kovacs officiates, the card count is +15% – profile: strict. A red card appeared in 23% of these matches.
How often do matches with Istvan Kovacs go over 4.5 cards?
Over 4.5 cards in 51% of matches and over 3.5 cards in 73%. Both teams were booked in 87%.
Does Istvan Kovacs give many penalties?
A penalty was awarded in 31% of matches refereed by Istvan Kovacs.