Defined: UEFA to rethink penalty rule after Julian Alvarez controversy rocks Champions League

UEFA is ready to debate a possible revision of the penalty kick rule after a
controversial incident within the Champions League Spherical of 16 conflict between Actual Madrid and Atletico Madrid on Thursday. The talk arose when Atletico’s Julian Alvarez had his penalty disallowed for an unintentional double contact, resulting in widespread debate over the equity of the rule.

What occurred?

The drama unfolded through the penalty shootout after a 2-2 mixture draw between the Spanish rivals. Alvarez stepped up as Atletico’s fourth penalty taker and appeared to transform it efficiently. Nevertheless, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, ruling that he had unintentionally made slight contact with the ball utilizing his standing foot earlier than hanging it together with his proper one.

As per Article 14.1 of the IFAB (Worldwide Soccer Affiliation Board) legal guidelines, a penalty taker “should not play the ball once more till it has touched one other participant.” Since Alvarez technically touched the ball twice, as claimed by VAR after reviewing the inconclusive video, the aim was disallowed.

Actual Madrid went on to win the shootout 4-2, knocking Atletico out of the 2024-25 Champions League. Atletico Madrid’s supervisor Diego Simeone expressed his frustration, claiming he had by no means seen VAR intervene for such an incident and questioning whether or not the double contact was actually evident. Followers echoed related sentiments, criticising the choice to overturn the penalty aim.

The entire world cannot see Julian Alvarez touching the ball on each feets however why on earth VAR determined it in simply 10 seconds?. Additionally they by no means bothered exhibiting the precise footage of the incident.

Ridiculous!! pic.twitter.com/75S7qw9EUm

— A.Ok. Hussein ❤🇸🇴🇸🇴 (@AKH1532) March 13, 2025

Why is that this rule being reviewed?

Whereas the rule has existed for years, this was a uncommon occasion the place VAR was used to overturn a penalty aim for an unintentional double contact, and that too, in such an important knockout recreation. Given the minimal contact if any and lack of clear intent, UEFA acknowledged the controversy and acknowledged it could seek the advice of with FIFA and IFAB to evaluate whether or not the rule needs to be modified.

In a press release, UEFA clarified:

“Atlético de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julián Alvarez on the finish of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match in opposition to Actual Madrid,” the assertion learn.

“Though minimal, the participant made contact with the ball utilizing his standing foot earlier than kicking it, as proven within the hooked up video clip. Beneath the present rule (Legal guidelines of the Recreation, Legislation 14.1), the VAR needed to name the referee signalling that the aim needs to be disallowed.”

“UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to find out whether or not the rule needs to be reviewed in circumstances the place a double contact is clearly unintentional,” it concluded.

pic.twitter.com/HPmpHmJQMq

— A (@RmaFPL) March 13, 2025

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarterfinal ties

The Champions League quarter-finals are set for 8-9 April, with second legs on 15-16 April. The ultimate is scheduled to be performed on 31 Could at Munich’s Allianz Enviornment.

• Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan

• Arsenal vs Actual Madrid

• Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund

• Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa