Uefa is set to request a review of the double touch rule on penalty kicks following a controversial decision that saw Julián Alvarez’s penalty disallowed during Atlético Madrid’s Champions League last-16 shootout against Real Madrid.
Alvarez unintentionally made contact with the ball using both his right and left foot while taking the penalty against Thibaut Courtois. Although the ball ended up in the net, the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled the effort out, giving Real Madrid an advantage that ultimately secured their victory.
Under the existing regulations set by the International Football Association Board (Ifab), a kicker commits an offence if they touch the ball again before it has made contact with another player. In the case of a penalty shootout, if such an offence occurs, the kick is recorded as missed. Uefa has indicated that this decision was marginal and intends to engage in discussions with Fifa and Ifab regarding a potential rule revision.
Atlético Madrid raised concerns with Uefa regarding the ruling that led to Alvarez’s disallowed penalty. Uefa acknowledged the inquiry and explained that, while the contact with the ball using the standing foot was minimal, the existing rule required VAR intervention. As a result, the referee was notified, and the goal was disallowed accordingly.
This incident has reignited debate over whether the double touch rule should be reconsidered, particularly in instances where the second contact is unintentional. Uefa has stated its intention to assess whether the rule should be revised in such cases.
The disallowed penalty added to Atlético Madrid’s continued struggles against their city rivals in European competition. This latest defeat marks the sixth time Atlético has fallen to Real Madrid on the European stage. Meanwhile, Real Madrid advances to their 12th quarter-final in the last 15 seasons, where they will face Arsenal next month. The first leg is scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium on April 8, with the return match set for April 16.
