UEFA Backs VAR and Marciniak, but Alvarez’s Controversy Sparks Rule Changes Ahead!

UEFA, in their recent statement regarding the incident involving Julian Alvarez’s nullified penalty against Real Madrid in the Champions League, has sided with referee Marciniak and the VAR officials. They acknowledged, however, that the Argentine’s touch before the kick was hardly significant. The statement also hinted at the potential revision of this particular rule, as discussions will commence with FIFA and IFAB, the body responsible for the game’s regulations. Atletico Madrid sought clarification from UEFA concerning the annulment of Alvarez’s penalty at the conclusion of the match. Despite the minimal nature of the touch, it was determined that he did indeed make contact with the ball using his standing foot prior to his shot — a detail made apparent in the accompanying video (which candidly illustrates the touch). According to the existing rules (Laws of the Game, Rule 14.1), the VAR was obliged to inform the referee that the goal should be disallowed. UEFA’s initiation of talks with FIFA and IFAB aims to explore whether the current regulations ought to be amended in instances where a double touch is clearly unintentional.