Soccer: UEFA Set to Discuss Alvarez Penalty Rule Change With FIFA and IFAB

MADRID () -UEFA said the correct decision was made to disallow Julian Alvarez's penalty in Atletico Madrid's Champions League loss to city rivals Real Madrid on Wednesday but European soccer's governing body would enter discussions to review the rule.

An angry Atlético contacted UEFA following Alvarez's missed shootout penalty, which was disallowed by the referee during their last-16 match that allowed Real to advance to thequarterfinals of Europe’s top club tournament.

The Argentine forward Alvarez lost balance and the Video Assistant Referee noticed that his left foot made contact with the ball just moments before he struck it with his right. Since players are allowed only one touch during such situations, the penalty—which could have tied the shootout at 2-2—was disallowed.

"Despite being slight, the player touched the ball with his standing foot prior to kicking it," stated UEFA in a release on Thursday.

According to the present regulations (Rules of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR was required to notify the referee to indicate that the goal must be invalidated.

UEFA plans to engage in talks with FIFA and IFAB (International Football Association Board) to assess whether the rule needs revision when a double touch occurs inadvertently.

Atletico did not promptly reply to requests for comments regarding UEFA’s statement; however, Coach Diego Simeone expressed his fury on Wednesday over the decision made by the Polish referee, Szymon Marciniak.

The Argentine commented during the post-match press briefing, 'I have never witnessed VAR being used to reassess a penalty in a shootout...Never!'

Did you notice him hitting the ball twice? For those who were at the stadium and witnessed him hit the ball twice, as well as seeing the ball move, please step forward and raise your hand!

I don't notice anyone raising their hand, so that concludes what I had to share... moving on to the next question.

Fans of Atletico were equally appalled.

One fan commented on the social media site X, stating 'It’s evident that their intention is for Madrid to advance,'

Nothing like this will ever happen in football again," penned another observer. "A historical theft has occurred at the Metropolitano, witnessed by the entire globe.

Several people proposed that Alvarez ought to have been afforded an opportunity to redo the penalty kick.

Canceling a penalty due to a possible double touch is unacceptable," a fan posted on X. "It can’t be said any differently: it goes against the spirit of football.

(Reported by Lori Ewing; Edited by Toby Davis and Ken Ferris)