UEFA's Official Explanation: The Image to Cancel Julián Álvarez's Penalty

Atlético de Madrid Was Eliminated from the Champions League in a Controversial Match. The image capturing the penalty taken by Julián Álvarez has sparked debate and led UEFA to issue an official explanation regarding the disallowed goal.

The VAR Decision

The penalty, executed in the shootout against Real Madrid, was disallowed after VAR review. The reason:  a double contact by the Argentine forward with the ball.

According to the rules,  if the player taking the penalty touches the ball twice before another player plays it, the action must be invalidated. In this case, the images revealed that Álvarez accidentally struck the ball with his supporting foot before taking the shot.

UEFA's Explanation

In response to Atlético de Madrid's complaints, UEFA issued a statement clarifying the play.

"Atlético de Madrid consulted UEFA about the incident that led to the disallowance of the penalty taken by Julián Álvarez. Although it was minimal, the player made contact with the ball with his supporting foot before kicking it, as shown in the video. Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), VAR had to call the referee to indicate that the goal should be disallowed."

UEFA added that, due to the controversy caused, they will engage in discussions with FIFA and IFAB to  analyze a possible revision of the rule. Specifically, they will study whether the clearly unintentional double touch should be grounds for disallowance in the future.

A Controversial Outcome

This decision was a severe blow to Atlético de Madrid, who saw their chance to equalize the score in the penalty shootout vanish. The Atlético fans expressed their outrage on social media, while Real Madrid celebrated their advance to the semifinals.

Álvarez's penalty disallowance reopens the debate about the strictness of certain rules in soccer. UEFA might consider adjustments to the regulations, but for now, the criteria remain firm.