Declassified files released by Romania’s CNSAS have confirmed that the legendary coach collaborated with Ceaușescu’s secret police.

He was the architect of the most free-flowing Ajax in history (1971–1973). He won two consecutive European Cups and coached geniuses such as Cruyff.

His reputation was global: he coached the France national team, Monaco, and Panathinaikos—sides where he also went on to win titles.

But that freedom came at a price. Under Ceaușescu’s dictatorship, no one left the country without permission. Kovács’s passport came at the cost of information.

Kovács obtained permission to coach abroad because he agreed to collaborate with the Department of State Security.

His deal was simple: either he sent reports on his contacts in the West, or his family in Romania would face the consequences.

The disclosed file covers the period from 1955 to 1963. He was recruited by the Cluj office under a false identity, Vasile Munteanu.

The file contains 31 pages of handwritten reports. Kovács detailed private conversations and the movements of individuals under surveillance.

His most damaging report was “The Paris List”: he informed on Romanian businessmen and exiles in France who were conspiring against the dictatorship.

His case was not unique. It is estimated that the Securitate had half a million informants in a Romania of 22 million inhabitants.