The International Football Association Board, known as IFAB, has issued a clarification regarding double-touch penalties in football, following a contentious incident involving Julian Alvarez during a Champions League shoot-out against Real Madrid. Atlético Madrid expressed their dissatisfaction when VAR did not intervene to rule out Alvarez’s kick due to concerns over a double touch. The latest ruling from IFAB aims to address the confusion surrounding this aspect of the penalty rules.

Effective from the first of July, if a penalty taker accidentally touches the ball with both feet at the same time, the kick will be retaken if it is successful. Alternatively, if the kick is missed, it will be documented as such in a penalty shoot-out. The clarification aims to ensure that accidental situations do not unfairly penalise players.

Atlético Madrid has voiced its frustrations regarding the situation, feeling aggrieved by how the rules were applied during their match against Real Madrid. The Federation of Atlético Madrid’s Supporters’ Clubs has even taken legal action, claiming that UEFA’s footage of the incident was edited and did not accurately represent what transpired.

IFAB’s updated procedures are in place to provide clarity to referees and players alike, particularly in cases where the penalty taker slips or otherwise inadvertently touches the ball with their non-kicking leg after taking the kick. The hope is that these clear guidelines will help prevent further controversy in future competitions.