Following controversy surrounding a disallowed penalty in the Champions League, a rule change has been implemented regarding accidental double touches during penalty kicks.
Successful penalties with accidental double touches will now be retaken.
The incident, involving Atlético Madrid’s Julian Álvarez in their last-16 tie against Real Madrid in March, prompted UEFA to request a review of the relevant laws.
Álvarez’s penalty, initially successful, was disallowed due to his supporting leg making slight contact with the ball after his initial kick.
Real Madrid subsequently won the shootout and progressed.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), responsible for the Laws of the Game, has now clarified Law 14.
Acknowledging the previous lack of explicit guidance, IFAB stated that referees had justifiably penalized such instances.
However, recognizing that Law 14 primarily addresses deliberate double touches, a clarification has been issued to all governing bodies.
IFAB recognized the unfairness of allowing a goal scored via an accidental double touch, as this could disadvantage goalkeepers.
The new clarification mandates that successful penalties with accidental double touches are retaken.
Unsuccessful kicks will result in an indirect free kick for the defending team (in open play) or be recorded as a miss (in a shootout).
This updated law takes effect July 1st, though IFAB allows its implementation in competitions starting earlier.
The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup (June 14th-July 13th) in the United States will thus be subject to the new ruling.
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