He took part in two major tournaments: the 1990 FIFA World Cup as a player for Czechoslovakia and UEFA Euro 2000 as manager of the Czech Republic.
At international level, Chovanec represented Czechoslovakia 52 times, scoring four goals, and played at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
[5] Chovanec did not lead the team to 2002 FIFA World Cup, being eliminated by Belgium in a play-off at the end of qualifying,[6] thus resigned from his position in November 2001.
In October 2008, Chovanec returned to Sparta Prague for his third spell as manager, going on to finish the 2008–09 season in second place.
He was appointed head coach of UAE Pro-League side Baniyas SC on a one-year contract on 19 June 2012.