IFAB won't change double-touch rule on penalty - there'll be more Alvarez cases

A new feature in the 25-26 season will be that referees are authorized to publicly explain the reasons for the decisions made after consulting the VAR screen.

Julián Álvarez won't be the last footballer to have a goal ruled out for an unintentional double touch from the penalty spot. The IFAB has published the regulations that will govern football around the world, and there are no exceptions to the demands made by Atlético de Madrid officials and supporters following the Champions League round of 16 second leg clash between the red-and-white team and Real Madrid.

The regulations adapt the new rules and changes decided upon at the IFAB Assembly held a few days ago. These regulations for the 2025-26 season contain nothing that could suggest a change after what happened at the Red and White stadium. At least until the end of next season.

The most important change is included, which states that goalkeepers may not hold the ball in their hands for more than eight seconds . The referee will count down, and if the ball is not released, a corner kick will be awarded. The rule already existed, but having to signal an indirect free kick inside the box used to make referees look the other way; now the penalty is a corner kick.

The other major new development is that referees are now authorized to publicly explain the reasons for decisions made after consulting the VAR screen.