The European body will study together with FIFA and IFAB possible modifications in cases of unintentional contact

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UEFA opens debate on the revision of the two-touch penalty rule after Atlético - Real Madrid

UEFA has announced that it will begin talks with FIFA and the IFAB to assess a possible modification of the rules governing double-touch penalties, especially in situations where contact is clearly unintentional.

The controversy in the Champions League after Atlético - Real Madrid

The debate was reignited following Atlético de Madrid's enquiry to UEFA about the penalty disallowed against Julián Álvarez in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid. On the play, the Argentine striker made slight contact with the ball with his supporting foot before striking it, prompting the VAR to alert the referee, who disallowed the goal in accordance with IFAB Rule 14.1.

The rule in question

Currently, Law 14.1 of the Laws of the Game states that:

‘The player taking the penalty kick may not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player’.

This provision prevents the same player from touching the ball twice in succession without the intervention of another player, regardless of whether the initial contact is accidental or not.

Will there be changes to the rules?

With UEFA willing to discuss possible adjustments to the rule, the question now is whether FIFA and the IFAB will consider relaxing the rule to prevent minor, incidental errors from being decisive in high-level competitions.

The revision of this rule could mark a significant change in football, ensuring that refereeing decisions are not influenced by the fact that the referee's decisions are not influenced by the fact that the referee's decisions are not made on a case-by-case basis.