Club World Cup 2025: FIFA Announces Major Rule Change following Champions League Controversy, Cristiano Ronaldo to Play First under New Rule

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In a significant prelude to the Club World Cup 2025 in the United States, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced a crucial clarification to the laws governing penalty kicks, a move set to impact all UEFA-organised matches and global tournaments henceforth.

The change comes in direct response to the high-profile controversy involving Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez during this season’s UEFA Champions League knockout rounds.

The moment in question unfolded during the Champions League round of 16 shootout between Atlético Madrid and city rivals Real Madrid. Álvarez, stepping up to take a crucial spot-kick, slipped while striking the ball. In the process, his standing foot made contact with the ball after the initial strike — an unintentional double touch. The ball, having taken a looping trajectory, found its way past Thibaut Courtois and into the net.

Despite the apparent legitimacy of the goal in real time, VAR intervened. Upon review, the goal was disallowed on grounds of a "double touch" - and Atlético were ultimately eliminated. While the referees were correct in applying the existing interpretation of Law 14, the decision sparked widespread debate over fairness, given the accidental nature of Álvarez’s misstep.

What is the New Penalty Rule from FIFA?

• Accidental Double Touch, Goal Scored (Regulation/Extra Time):
  If a player taking a penalty kick unintentionally touches the ball twice (e.g., due to a slip) and scores, the kick must now be retaken.
  Previously: The goal was disallowed, and a free kick awarded to the defending team.
• Accidental Double Touch, Goal Not Scored (Regulation/Extra Time):
  If the ball does not go in, then the result stands. The defending team is awarded an indirect free kick.
  No change here — the new clause only alters what happens if the ball ends up in the net.
• Accidental Double Touch in a Penalty Shootout:
  If the ball goes in: The penalty is now retaken.
  If the ball does not go in: It is simply recorded as a miss and not retaken.

This clarification is grounded in the understanding that Law 14’s provision against a second touch was originally designed to punish deliberate infractions — for instance, a player intentionally tapping in their own rebound before anyone else touches the ball.

This move is seen as a progressive step by IFAB to align the letter of the law with the spirit of the game. The updated guidance ensures players are not unfairly penalized for unintentional slips or misfortunes in high-stakes moments, especially in knockout formats where the margin for error is razor-thin.

The timing is also strategic — the Club World Cup begins on June 14 in the United States, with 32 teams, including Atlético Madrid, competing in the expanded format. This tournament will serve as the first FIFA event to incorporate the clarified rule, setting a new precedent at the global level.

The clarification was made official through a circular sent to all relevant stakeholders by IFAB, whose structure includes FIFA and the four British football associations.

Cristiano Ronaldo to Play Under New Rule

The rule will be implemented first on Wednesday's UEFA Nations League semifinal between Germany and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play as the Al Nassr star has been named in the squad.