André Silva’s Penalty Drama Highlights Recent IFAB Rule Change

A penalty kick converted by Elche’s André Silva against Athletic Club has brought a recent clarification from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) into sharp focus. The incident, involving a retaken penalty, underscored a nuanced rule regarding accidental double touches during penalty attempts.

The Controversial Penalty

Elche was awarded a penalty in the 65th minute after a foul by Lekue on Valera. Silva initially found the net, but the referee disallowed the goal, citing a double touch on the ball. The penalty was subsequently ordered to be retaken.

IFAB Clarification: The Double Touch Rule

The situation echoes a similar incident involving Julián Alvarez in a Champions League match against Real Madrid, where a double touch was not penalized. Following that event, IFAB clarified that if a double touch during a penalty kick is deemed accidental and the ball still enters the goal, the kick must be retaken, rather than resulting in an indirect free-kick. However, if the penalty is missed after the double touch, an indirect free-kick is awarded to the opposing team.

Silva successfully converted the retaken penalty in the 68th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.

Empata André da Silva desde el punto de penalti engañando por completo de Unai Simón y devolviendo el empata al marcador.

MARCA

Silva Reflects on the Incident

After the match, Silva acknowledged the double touch, drawing a parallel to the Alvarez situation. He expressed relief that the rule change ultimately benefited his team. He added he is used to giving his best and was happy it worked out.

FAQ

• What happens if a penalty taker touches the ball twice intentionally? An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.
• What was the outcome of the match between Athletic Club and Elche? Athletic Club won 2-1.
• Who clarified the rule regarding double touches on penalty kicks? The International Football Association Board (IFAB).

This incident serves as a reminder of the intricacies within football’s rulebook and the importance of staying updated on IFAB’s interpretations. Silva’s successful penalty, made possible by the recent clarification, highlights how these changes can directly influence the outcome of matches.