Double-touch penalty rule inspired by Julian Alvarez applied for first time in England’s Women’s EURO win

Julian Alvarez’s controversial double-touch penalty in Atletico Madrid’s Champions League shootout against Real Madrid sent shockwaves through the football world, prompting UEFA and FIFA to reevaluate the rule. The fallout led the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to update the regulation, changes that were applied for the first time during England’s Women’s EURO 2025 victory.

In that March match, Alvarez allegedly touched the ball twice during a penalty kick, leading referee Szymon Marciniak to disallow the goal. The incident proved decisive, as Atlético Madrid got eliminated. The decision, and the interpretation of the rule itself, drew widespread scrutiny, ultimately pushing IFAB to clarify and amend the law.

In June, IFAB announced the rule change, effective July 1: “A penalty kick that is scored now after an accidental double touch should be retaken. In a shootout, the attempt is to be considered missed if unsuccessful.”

New rule applied on the biggest stage

England claimed back-to-back Women’s EURO titles—adding to their 2022 crown—by defeating Spain in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw after extra time. The final also marked the first official use of the updated double-touch penalty rule inspired by Alvarez’s incident.

Beth Mead stepped up to take England’s first penalty in the shootout, but she slipped while striking the ball and scored. Following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed, and the Arsenal star was ordered to retake the kick. Mead’s second attempt was correctly executed—but this time, Spain goalkeeper Catalina Coll made the save.

Despite the early setback, England responded. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton turned the tide by saving penalties from Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí, while Salma Paralluelo missed her attempt wide. England ultimately won the shootout 3–1, securing the trophy. With the victory, manager Sarina Wiegman maintains her perfect record in penalty shootouts—still unbeaten in knockout-phase tiebreakers.