Footie Furor: International Football Association Board (IFAB) Clarifies Double Touch During Penalty Kicks After Madrid Drama
Following Madrid Champions League Controversy: Adoption of the 11-meter Rule
Hey there! So, the IFAB, the governing body of football, has made some changes to the penalty rules. Here's the skinny:
In a game-changing move for the players, if a player accidentally double-touches the ball or hits it with their other leg during a penalty kick, it won't automatically result in a missed penalty anymore. This rule revamp was inspired by a swirling controversy involving a Madrid derby.
The new interpretation of the rules will take effect from July 1, but it could also be applied beforehand at the Club World Cup, according to the IFAB. If a penalty kick scored due to an accidental double-touch needs to be retaken, the penalty taker has another chance. If the penalty kick is saved or goes wide, the play continues with an indirect free kick for the opposing team. In a penalty shootout, the other team gets the next kick in case of a missed accidental double-touch. However, deliberate double-touches (i.e., touching the ball with both feet intentionally or touching it for a second time before another player) still lead to indirect free kicks for the opposing team.
Remember, rookie, football is a game of inches. Now, if you make a mistake, it won't cost you the game outright.
Football. Drama. Controversy. There was a similar scenario in the Champions League round of 16 when Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid saw his penalty disallowed in a shootout against Real Madrid. Guess what? Coaches and players aren't fans of such drama.
The irate coach, Diego Simeone, was dumbfounded at the time and demanded media representatives to raise their hands if they witnessed Alvarez touching the ball twice. No one obliged.
"I've never seen a penalty where they've used VAR. Julian supposedly touched the ball with his standing leg, but the ball didn't move," Simeone exclaimed in apparent exasperation, as Atletico ultimately lost out to their city rivals.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid
Additional Notes:- For accidental double touches resulting in a goal, the penalty needs to be retaken in both regular games and penalty shootouts.- Missed accidental double touches result in an indirect free kick during regular play and a missed attempt in penalty shootouts.- Deliberate double touches remain illegal, with indirect free kicks awarded to the opposing team or a missed attempt in shootouts.- The goal is to differentiate between intentional and unintentional actions, shielding players from unfair penalties during high-pressure situations.- Certain competitions may implement the revised rules before the official implementation date of July 1, 2025.
- In light of the unforeseen penalty controversy during the Champions League round of 16, fans and players alike can breathe a sigh of relief as accidental double touches during penalty kicks won't necessarily result in a missed penalty anymore.
- The new rule modification, instigated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), promises to bring an end to the drama and controversy surrounding double touches in football, minimizing the impact of such mishaps on the outcome of games.
- However, deliberate double touches remain illegal, ensuring that players are still penalized for such actions, thereby maintaining the fairness and integrity of football matches.
