UEFA to Seek Consultation with FIFA and IFAB Regarding Rule Behind Alvarez’s Disallowed Penalty

UEFA confirmed that the decision to disallow Julian Alvarez’s penalty during Atletico Madrid’s Champions League defeat to city rivals Real Madrid on Wednesday was correct. However, the governing body of European football has indicated it will engage in discussions to reassess the rule.

Following the match, a frustrated Atletico sought clarification from UEFA after Alvarez’s penalty was cancelled by the referee in their last-16 fixture, which saw Real progress to the quarter-finals of this prestigious competition.

During the shootout, Alvarez lost his footing, and the VAR detected that his left foot made minor contact with the ball prior to striking it with his right. As only one touch is permitted under the regulations, the penalty—which could have equalised the shootout at 2-2—was ruled out.

“Despite being minimal, the player did touch the ball with his standing foot before executing the kick,” UEFA stated in a press release on Thursday. “According to the existing laws (Rules of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR was compelled to inform the referee that the goal should be annulled.”

“UEFA will engage in talks with FIFA and the IFAB (International Football Association Board) to assess whether the rule warrants reconsideration, particularly in situations where a double touch is evidently unintentional.”