The International Football Association Board (IFAB), an agency in charge of defining the rules of football, has announced a clarification in rule 14 that directly affects penalties, after what happened with Julián Álvarez in the quarterfinals last Champions League. , an unusual situation that was not clearly contemplated in the regulation.
In its circular number 31, the IFAB explains that so far the referees used to interpret this type of actions as a double touch and, therefore, sanctioned them. However, the agency admits that it is a different situation if the contact is accidental, and that leaving it without regular could be unfair, especially for the goalkeeper, since the ball can change the trajectory unexpectedly and generate a clear disadvantage.
Therefore, as of July 2025, if a penalty runs with an accidental double touch and ends in goal, the launch will be repeated. On the other hand, if the shot does not enter, it will be considered failed (if it is in a penalty shootout) or an indirect free kick to the opposite team will be granted, as was the case until now. This new wording of the norm aims to offer greater equity in borderline situations and prevent a goal from rising to the scoreboard when the execution has not been entirely valid.
. In the latter case, that is, if the player returns to touch the ball on purpose before another footballer will do so, he will continue to apply the usual sanction: indirect or penalty free kick failed in case of a batch.
After that incident in the Champions League rooms, after Julián Alvarez’s ruling and the consequent arbitration decision cost the Simeone team the classification for the semifinals. The European agency then replied that the touch was minimal and that it would open a consultation with FIFA and IFAB on whether the rule should be checked in cases where a double touch was involuntary. And he has done so.
Although it is an unusual situation, the IFAB wanted to make it clear how to act before these plays to avoid future confusion and ensure that the spirit of the game is maintained. Clarity in the rules is essential for referees, players and fans, and with this update it seeks to reduce subjective interpretations in such decisive actions as a penalty.
