The controversial penalty taken by Julián Álvarez against Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 is still making headlines. In the incident, the Argentine striker unintentionally touched the ball twice, which led to the goal being disallowed. In response, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for setting the rules of football, has announced an amendment to Law 14 that will come into effect on July 1, 2025.

A Rare Situation That Set a Precedent

Until now, if a player made two touches while taking a penalty regardless of whether it was accidental the goal was ruled out, and an indirect free kick was awarded to the opposing team. That was the outcome for Álvarez, despite the second contact clearly being unintentional after the ball bounced off his supporting foot.

“This is a rare situation that is not explicitly covered in Law 14,” the IFAB explained in an official statement. “Referees have understandably penalized the taker for playing the ball a second time before it was touched by another player, awarding an indirect free kick or recording the attempt as missed in a penalty shootout.”

What Will Change Starting July 2025?

The rule change introduces a clear distinction between involuntary and voluntary double touches when taking a penalty kick:

Involuntary Double Touch:

• If the ball enters the goal, the penalty will be retaken.
• If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team (or the attempt will be recorded as missed in a shootout), unless the referee plays advantage.

Voluntary Double Touch:

• If the player intentionally touches the ball twice before another player does:
  
  • An indirect free kick will be awarded (or the attempt will be recorded as missed in a shootout), unless advantage is applied.

The Rule Won’t Apply Immediately

The new interpretation of the rule will apply to all competitions starting on or after July 1, 2025, although tournaments beginning earlier may implement the change at their discretion.

With this amendment, IFAB aims to avoid unfair punishments in accidental situations and provide greater clarity to a scenario that, until now, lacked specific guidance.