In a stunning and historic move, UEFA has officially amended its penalty kick regulations following the controversial moment involving Julian Álvarez during the penalty shootout between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 on March 13.

The incident, which sparked outrage and confusion across the football world, occurred when Álvarez appeared to unintentionally touch the ball twice during his penalty — first with his planted foot and then with his striking foot — before scoring. Though the goal was allowed to stand at the time, Atletico Madrid players protested vehemently, claiming it should have been ruled invalid under existing rules.

Today, UEFA confirmed a formal rule clarification and adjustment, aimed at preventing similar confusion and controversy in the future.

“Effective immediately, any instance in which a player touches the ball twice consecutively during a penalty kick — regardless of intent or surface conditions — will result in the penalty being ruled invalid and an indirect free kick awarded to the defending team,” UEFA stated.

Why this matters:
Under the previous interpretation of the Laws of the Game, a double touch on a penalty was only penalized if clearly deliberate or if it gave the kicker an unfair advantage. Álvarez’s penalty, which may have deflected off his standing foot due to turf conditions, fell into a gray area — and the lack of VAR intervention only fueled the controversy. Atletico’s elimination added emotional weight to the situation.

UEFA’s Referees Committee admitted the incident exposed a loophole in the enforcement of penalty rules and acknowledged that “the spirit of the game was compromised.”

Reaction from the football world

The decision has sparked a wave of reaction from players, pundits, and fans. Atletico Madrid released a brief statement saying:

“While this ruling comes too late to change our fate, we welcome UEFA’s decision to clarify the rule and ensure future fairness.”

On the other side of Madrid, Real fans have largely dismissed the controversy, with some pointing out that penalty shootouts always carry unpredictable moments and that UEFA’s change is a sign of the sport evolving.

Julian Álvarez, who had not commented publicly on the incident until now, released a short message via social media:

“I respect the game, the officials, and now the new rule. Football is always changing — we adapt.”

What’s next?

The rule change will be enforced immediately, meaning it will apply to Euro 2024 and the remaining UEFA club competitions this season. Referees will receive updated guidance on identifying double contacts, especially in cases where the second touch is subtle or accidental.

UEFA also hinted that VAR protocols related to penalties could be updated in parallel to allow closer review of foot-to-ball contact sequences during spot kicks.

One controversial moment has now changed the rulebook — and its ripple effects may shape the way we see penalties for years to come.