Refereeing Controversy: Should Atleti Have Challenged the Penalties?
Atlético de Madrid’s elimination in the Champions League round of 16 against Real Madrid has left a trail of controversy, centered on the annulment of a penalty taken by Julián Álvarez during the decisive shootout.
Experts and fans have questioned the referee’s decision, arguing that it contravenes IFAB Rule 14, which does not prohibit the taker from touching the ball twice as long as they do not play it again until another player does.
Despite the debate and frustration, Atlético’s management, after consulting with UEFA, has decided not to challenge the result, prioritizing respect for the referee’s work and focusing on the next challenges, starting with the match against Barcelona.
The club reaffirms its commitment to collaborate with institutions to improve the refereeing system from within, maintaining its philosophy of not seeking excuses. However, figures in the legal field and former referees have pointed out that Atlético had legitimate reasons to challenge the penalty shootout.
It is argued that the penalty shootout is independent of the match and therefore, could be repeated. UEFA has defended the referee’s decision, generating even more confusion and debate among experts. Despite the legal possibility and the FIFA precedent in the 2015 Women’s European Championship, Atlético has chosen to close this chapter and focus on the future, with its sights set on the next goals.
