IFAB Updates Penalty Rules Following Julian Alvarez's Controversial Double Touch Incident

Posted : 04 June 2025

In response to the controversy surrounding Julian Alvarez’s disqualified penalty during the Champions League clash between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has decided to revise Article 14 of the Laws of the Game, which governs penalty kicks.

The incident, which sparked intense debate across the footballing world, occurred when Alvarez appeared to score, only for the goal to be ruled out after VAR revealed he had unintentionally touched the ball twice due to a slip. This decision played a role in Atlético Madrid’s elimination from the tournament, intensifying criticism of the rules’ rigidity.

The IFAB's updated guidelines now account for accidental double touches during penalties. Under the revised rule, if a player unintentionally strikes the ball twice—such as in a slip or stumble—and the ball enters the net, the penalty must be retaken instead of being disqualified.

If the ball fails to go in, the kick is simply counted as a miss. The new rule aims to differentiate clearly between deliberate infractions and involuntary mistakes, preserving fairness while recognizing the unpredictable nature of such incidents during high-pressure moments.

An official circular released by IFAB emphasized the importance of distinguishing between intentional fouls and accidental touches, noting that while unpunished double touches can be unfair to goalkeepers, strict enforcement without context can also lead to unjust outcomes.

The decision to allow a retake rather than disqualifying a goal outright is presented as a balanced solution that avoids rewarding accidental infractions while not punishing players for moments beyond their control. The statement highlighted that the spirit of the rule was never meant to penalize players for losing their footing.

Atlético Madrid has welcomed the rule change, though the club maintains that there was a refereeing error in Alvarez's case. Head coach Diego Simeone had argued after the match that there was minimal movement of the ball and no clear violation.

The club’s official statement at the time criticized the VAR process for reaching a pivotal decision within mere seconds. Following IFAB’s update, a club spokesperson expressed cautious approval, stating that although they still believe the call was mistaken, they appreciate the governing bodies’ willingness to learn and evolve from the situation.

IFAB Updates Penalty Rules Following Julian Alvarez's Controversial Double Touch Incident

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