This new rule applies to competitions that start from or after July 1, 2025 and can be used in competitions that start before that date.
The controversial fine of Julán Álvarez in the Champions League round of 16 Shootout against Real Madrid has put forward the IFAB, the body responsible for drawing up the rules for referees in football, to publish an explanation that explains the rule on unintended double touch in Penalty -Stappen.
As the IFAB notes: “This is a rare situation and, because it is not immediately regulated by law 14, the referees have understandably chose to punish the kicker because they played the ball a second time before it was touched by another player. They then grant an indirect free kick to the opposite team or, the shoveled team.” This is exactly what happened in the knockout round.
However, this part of the law 14 is primarily intended for situations in which the penalty contractor deliberately plays the ball a second time before it is touched by another player (eg after it is bounced from the target posts or crossbar without touching the goalkeeper). This is very different than when the penalty contractor inadverts the ball with both feet at the same time or when the ball touches the supporting foot or leg of the penalty immediately after taking the kick, which often occurs because the penalty nakomer slides at the time of the kick.
In any case, it would not be fair not to punish this double touch, because the changed process of the ball could disadvantage the goalkeeper.
The IFAB therefore wants to clarify the procedures in the following situations:
• The penalty contractor unintentionally touches the ball with both feet at the same time whether the ball touches his supporting foot or leg just after taking the stairs:
§ If the ball enters the goal, it will be repeated.
§ If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick is awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot is recorded as missed.
• The pitcher voluntarily touches the ball with both feet at the same time or voluntarily plays a second time before it is touched by another player:
§ An indirect free kick is granted (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defensive team) or, in the case of fine-shoot-outs, the shot is recorded as missed.
Keep in mind that the procedure clarified here applies to competitions from or after July 1, 2025 and can be used for competitions that start before that date.