At a recent press conference, FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the controversy surrounding Julián Álvarez’s disallowed penalty during Atlético Madrid’s Champions League match against Real Madrid. He acknowledged the incident’s significance and reiterated FIFA’s commitment to fairness and clarity in football regulations.
The controversy arose during a tense penalty shootout when Álvarez slipped and unintentionally touched the ball twice before it crossed the goal line. According to Law 14.1 of the Laws of the Game, a player cannot touch the ball again before another player has made contact with it. Following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed, a decision that played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s progression to the quarter-finals.
Infantino affirmed that the referee’s decision was correct based on current rules but emphasized the need to reconsider aspects of the regulations. He expressed FIFA’s openness to working with UEFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to review the rule on unintentional double touches during penalties. The objective would be to assess whether changes are needed to align better with the spirit of fair play and prevent future controversies.
UEFA has also confirmed its intention to discuss the matter with FIFA and IFAB. In an official statement, UEFA acknowledged that while the disallowed goal adhered to existing rules, the incident warrants a review of potential exceptions for unintentional infractions.
Atlético Madrid’s coach, Diego Simeone, voiced his frustration over the decision, questioning the clarity of the evidence that led to the call. During the press conference, he challenged attendees to confirm whether they had seen definitive proof of the double touch, highlighting the contentious nature of the ruling.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion within the football community about rule interpretation, particularly in crucial matches. As FIFA, UEFA, and IFAB prepare to assess potential rule modifications, many in the football world are eager to see changes that could lead to more nuanced officiating and greater fairness.
Ultimately, Infantino’s comments reaffirm FIFA’s commitment to reviewing and refining the game’s rules. The upcoming discussions with UEFA and IFAB will be vital in addressing concerns raised by the Álvarez incident and ensuring that football’s regulations continue to evolve while maintaining the sport’s integrity.
