Julian Alvarez penalty: UEFA to discuss rules with lawmakers

UEFA has announced plans to review penalty rules with football’s lawmakers following Julian Alvarez’s disallowed spot kick during Atletico Madrid’s Champions League elimination.

The incident occurred during a penalty shootout in Atletico’s round-of-16 clash with city rivals Real Madrid. Alvarez slipped as he struck the ball, which ended up in the net past Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. However, after a VAR review, the goal was overturned because the Argentine striker had unintentionally touched the ball twice, a violation of the rules. Real Madrid eventually won the shootout 4-2, progressing to the next stage.

On Thursday, UEFA confirmed that while the decision in Madrid adhered to the laws of the game, it would revisit the current regulations with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA. The focus will be on scenarios where an unintentional double touch leads to a goal being disallowed.

According to Article 14.1 of IFAB’s laws governing penalties, “The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player.” UEFA acknowledged this in a statement, noting: “Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR correctly advised the referee that the goal should not stand.”

This latest setback continues Atletico’s dismal record in penalty shootouts against Real Madrid, with the club losing all six encounters across all competitions.