Why was Julian Alvarez's penalty disallowed during the Champions League shootout?

Julian Alvarez's penalty was disallowed because he was deemed to have touched the ball twice, once with his standing foot before kicking it with his other foot, as per VAR review and current rules.

What prompted UEFA to consider reviewing the double touch rule?

The controversy surrounding Julian Alvarez's disallowed penalty in the Champions League shootout against Real Madrid prompted UEFA to consider reviewing the rule, particularly in cases where the double touch is unintentional.

How did the coaches of both teams react to the VAR decision?

Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid's coach, expressed frustration but did not criticize the officials directly. He questioned whether anyone had seen the double touch, highlighting the minimal contact. Real Madrid's coach did not publicly comment on the VAR decision in the provided sources.

What is the current rule regarding double touches during penalty kicks?

According to IFAB's Laws of the Game, a penalty kick is completed when the ball stops moving, goes out of play, or the referee stops play for any offense. The kicker may not play the ball a second time, which led to Alvarez's penalty being disallowed.

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UEFA to Review VAR Controversy Following Atletico Madrid's Penalty Shootout Loss

UEFA will discuss reviewing the double touch rule after Atletico Madrid's penalty was disallowed in a recent Champions League match against Real Madrid.

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UEFA will look into the possibility of reviewing the double touch rule that helped lead to Atletico Madrid’s loss in a penalty shootout against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
UEFA wants to review double touch rule that was costly for Atletico in Champions League shootout
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Mar 13th, 2025, 2:05 PM ET

Summary

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UEFA is set to consult with FIFA on the potential revision of the double touch rule after Atletico Madrid's loss to Real Madrid in a recent Champions League shootout. The decision to disallow a penalty taken by Julián Álvarez due to an almost imperceptible double touch has reignited debates surrounding the use of VAR. The coaches of both teams expressed concerns about the intervention, adding to a growing discourse on VAR’s impact on the flow of the game and the emotional experience of fans.

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UEFA is initiating discussions with FIFA to reconsider the double touch rule that controversially impacted Atlético Madrid's penalty shootout loss to Real Madrid, indicating potential shifts in rule enforcement.
The incident highlights ongoing debates surrounding VAR, as UEFA clarifies that despite the minimal contact made by the player, the VAR correctly disallowed the goal in accordance with existing rules.
Calls for improvements in VAR usage persist, reflecting broader concerns over its impact on the flow of the game and the accuracy of officiating in high-stakes matches.

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