A controversial penalty miss by Atletico Madrid‘s Julian Alvarez throughout their Champions League conflict towards Actual Madrid has ignited a debate about soccer’s Legal guidelines of the Sport. The incident, occurring throughout Wednesday night time’s penalty shootout, noticed Alvarez‘s kick disallowed after VAR overview confirmed a double contact. Actual Madrid finally gained 4-2, advancing to the subsequent spherical.
This incident highlights a key space of competition within the Legal guidelines of the Sport (Legislation 14.1), which prohibits a participant from touching the ball twice earlier than taking a penalty. Nevertheless, the second contact appeared unintentional and didn’t materially affect the shot’s trajectory, resulting in questions on whether or not the present rule is suitable for such conditions.
Inside 24 hours of Atletico’s exit, UEFA launched a press release, revealed by Fabrizio Romano, saying discussions with FIFA and IFAB (Worldwide Soccer Affiliation Board) concerning doable rule modifications.
The assertion reads: “Atletico de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julian Alvarez on the finish of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match towards Actual Madrid. 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 Sport, 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 instances the place a double contact is clearly unintentional.”
Skilled reactions to Alvarez penalty incident
The incident sparked reactions from soccer figures. Former referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz, in a Spanish TV interview, commented: “If I have been to referee such a momentous play once more, I wouldn’t be comfy in the event that they advised me… I’d wish to go see it, after which I’d determine. Nicely, it’s my accountability. I’ve to take it on my shoulders after which determine primarily based on what I see match. That’s how I perceive refereeing.”
Atletico Madrid supervisor Diego Simeone additionally provided his perspective: “I simply noticed the picture of the penalty. The referee stated that when Julián stepped and kicked, he touched the ball together with his foot, however the ball didn’t transfer. That’s one thing to debate about whether or not it was a aim or not, however I’m happy with my gamers.“ These feedback illustrate the widespread debate surrounding VAR’s utility in penalty selections and the present penalty guidelines.
Potential affect of VAR and penalty rule modifications
UEFA’s initiative to collaborate with FIFA and IFAB signifies a proactive method to addressing issues in regards to the Legal guidelines of the Sport. A rule change allowing retakes in instances of unintentional double touches might considerably reshape future penalty shootouts, minimizing comparable controversies.
The end result of those discussions will likely be intently monitored by the complete soccer world, impacting how penalties are officiated globally. UEFA’s response demonstrates the continued evolution of soccer guidelines and officiating procedures. The potential modifications could reshape future penalty kicks and VAR’s position in figuring out selections.


















