Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham set for rule change after Champions League controversy

From July 1, accidental 'double touch' penalty kicks that are successful will be allowed to be retaken, according to the game's lawmakers.

UEFA called for a review of the laws concerning these rare occurrences after Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez had a penalty disallowed during a Champions League shoot-out against Real Madrid in March, following an instance where he slipped and inadvertently made contact with the ball with his standing leg, leading to Madrid's victory in the last 16 clash.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), responsible for setting the sport's rules, has now provided a clarification on Law 14, acknowledging that referees have been "understandably" penalising all accidental double touches until now.

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Despite the lack of direct guidance in Law 14 for accidental double touches, the IFAB has communicated a clarification to all national associations and confederations, stating that while it would be unfair not to penalise a double touch at all, allowing such goals could disadvantage goalkeepers due to the changed trajectory of the ball.

The IFAB has therefore determined that if an accidental 'double touch' results in a goal, the kick should be retaken, but if unsuccessful during a match, it should lead to an indirect free-kick, or be recorded as missed during a shoot-out.

It comes as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham await next season's Premier League fixtures.

The top flight's schedule for 2025/26 is due to be released on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham will also compete in the Champions League next season.