April 9 – The Romanian linesman who asked Europe’s most sought-after young player, Erling Haaland, to sign his red and yellow cards has reportedly been banned form officiating in his country’s top tier.
Octavian Sovre approached the 20-year-old sensation after Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg game at Manchester City and was captured on camera in the tunnel.
UEFA insists officials requesting autographs is “unacceptable” and he has now been hit with a suspension over the incident despite reports in Romania claiming that Sovre has collected signatures from top footballers for the last five years to help raise funds for an autism centre.
A childhood friend of Sovre has now revealed the cards are likely be auctioned later this month to help provide therapy for autism victims at the SOS Autism Bihor centre in Romania, which depends on donations and often auctions items to raise money.
“The red and yellow signed cards, which my kindergarten classmate Octavian donated to our SOS Autism Bihor centre, will be used for a noble cause,” said Simona Zlibut.
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