Football’s Lawmakers Announce Retake Rule for Accidental Double Touches on Penalties
In a significant update to the rules governing penalty kicks, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has clarified its stance on accidental double touches, allowing players to retake a penalty if they unintentionally touch the ball twice while taking the shot. This decision comes in the wake of a controversial incident involving Julian Alvarez during a Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
Alvarez slipped while executing a penalty in a crucial shootout in March, resulting in a double touch that was flagged by VAR. The referee ruled the shot a miss, leading to Real Madrid winning the shootout 4-2. Following the incident, UEFA acknowledged the need for a review of the rules and initiated discussions with FIFA and IFAB to address the situation.
The new ruling, which will be effective from July 1, 2025, will be applied immediately for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, starting June 15. This means players like Alvarez will have a second chance if they slip again during a penalty kick.
IFAB’s secretary, Lukas Brud, explained that the updated rule is designed to differentiate between accidental and deliberate double touches. He noted that while rare, situations where a penalty taker unintentionally touches the ball with both feet or their non-kicking foot should not penalize them if the shot is successful.
UEFA has embraced this interpretation, stating that all matches, including the UEFA Nations League semifinal between Germany and Portugal on June 4, will adhere to the revised rule.
The decision is expected to enhance fairness in penalty situations and alleviate confusion among players, referees, and fans alike, as it acknowledges the human element of the game, particularly in high-pressure scenarios like penalty shootouts.
