Why referee Istvan Kovacs will wear one-of-a-kind shirt for game between Tunisia and Japan

FIFA have announced that Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs will wear a special shirt featuring gold sleeve stripes for the World Cup clash between Japan and Tunisia on Saturday (June 20).

Kovacs, who is widely regarded as one of Europe's top refs, was presented with the jersey in front of the rest of his colleagues this week.

But why? It turns out Kovacs will take charge of the 1,000th match in World Cup history when Japan take on Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium in what FIFA has described as "one of the landmark fixtures in the tournament’s long and storied history."

The special Adidas shirt features gold stripes down the sleeves and a ‘Match 1000’ patch. It will also be worn by assistant referees Ferencz Tunyogi and Mihai Marica.

Speaking about the decision to pick Kovacs, FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina said: “We selected the referee that we think is the best referee for this match. And of course, by coincidence, he is also appointed for the 1,000th match."

For him, it is something extra – something special on top," added Collina."Refereeing a FIFA World Cup match is always a huge privilege, it’s a great honour."

Collina and Kovacs pose with the special jersey. Image credit: FIFA

Collina holds up the shirt. Image credit: FIFA

Collina gave a further insight into why they created the kit.

“Certainly, becoming part of the history of football – part of the history of the FIFA World Cup, being appointed to and being on the field of play to officiate the match number 1,000 is definitely something extra," he said.

"We decided to create a special match kit to celebrate this match and it’s a nice one with some golden details; stripes and a patch with the trophy and the number 1,000 on it."

Remarkably, Kovacs' appointment to the 1,000th match in the competition's history marks his first match as a referee at a World Cup.

The 41-year-old's first international tournament was Euro 2024. A year later, he went on to officiate the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, a game the French side won 5-0.

The genius marketing stunt involving referees at this summer's World Cup

A sponsor has been strategically placed on the shirt of every referee at the World Cup.

For context, deodorant brand Rexona's logo is positioned directly under the armpits of every referee's shirt, meaning the logo is hidden for the majority of the game.

But when an official decides to make an important decision, such as awarding a penalty, issuing a card, or holding up the electronic substitution board, the Rexona logo is clearly visible to those watching at home.

Rexona, known as Sure in the UK, also has its logo stuck on the substitution board, but the deodorant product being advertised under the armpit has been applauded by many.