New rules allow retakes for accidental double touch penalties
- IFAB clarified that accidental double touches during penalties can now result in a retake if the goal is scored.
- Julian Alvarez's penalty was disallowed due to a double touch, prompting UEFA's request for a rule review.
- The new ruling aims to ensure fairness in penalty situations, especially during high-stakes matches.
In a significant update to football regulations, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has clarified rules regarding accidental double touches during penalties. This change comes after an incident involving Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez in March 2025, where his penalty was disallowed due to an accidental double touch during a Champions League shootout against Real Madrid. UEFA had previously raised concerns about the fairness of this decision, prompting IFAB to revisit the rules governing penalty kicks. The new guideline will allow players a retake if they accidentally touch the ball twice, provided that the kick results in a goal. This ruling will take effect immediately, including for the upcoming Club World Cup, which features both Madrid clubs among 32 teams set to compete in the United States starting June 15, 2025. Referees had traditionally been instructed to penalize all double touches, but the recent rulings indicate a shift in approach, allowing a more lenient interpretation of the rules in such rare circumstances. IFAB stated that its regulations primarily address deliberate double touches, thus recognizing the unfairness of punishing players for unintentional errors in high-pressure situations. This decision is expected to impact future games significantly by preventing similar controversial situations from affecting the outcomes of vital matches.