UEFA to consult with FIFA and IFAB over rule that saw Alvarez penalty disallowed
UEFA has confirmed that the decision to disallow Julian Alvarez’s penalty during Atletico Madrid’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid was correct. However, European football’s governing body stated that discussions would take place to review the rule.
Atletico Madrid, frustrated by the decision, sought clarification from UEFA after Alvarez’s penalty was ruled out in the last-16 tie, ultimately leading to Real Madrid’s progression to the quarter-finals.
The Argentine forward lost his footing during the penalty kick, with VAR detecting that his left foot made slight contact with the ball before he struck it with his right. Since the rules permit only a single touch, the goal—which would have equalized the shootout at 2-2—was disallowed.
In a statement on Thursday, UEFA explained:
“Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it. Under the current Laws of the Game (Law 14.1), VAR was required to inform the referee that the goal should be disallowed.”
UEFA further added that discussions would be held with FIFA and IFAB (International Football Association Board) to evaluate whether the rule should be reconsidered in cases where an accidental double touch occurs.
Atletico did not immediately respond to a request for comment on UEFA’s statement, though coach Diego Simeone was livid on Wednesday with Polish referee Szymon Marciniak’s decision.
“I’ve never seen the VAR called to review a penalty in a shootout … Never!” the Argentine said at the post-game press conference.
“Did you see him touching the ball twice? Please, whoever was present in the stadium and saw him touching the ball twice, the ball moving, please come forward and raise your hand!
“I don’t see anybody with their hand raised so that’s all I have to say… next question.”
Final Thoughts
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