UEFA clarifies handball penalty rule after Barcelona‑Atlético clash

UEFA issued a new directive reminding referees that any deliberate handball by a field player inside his own penalty area must be penalised as a penalty kick. The clarification follows the controversy in the Champions League quarter‑final first leg on 8 April, when Barcelona defender Marc Pubill handled the ball in the box and no penalty was awarded. UEFA said the rule is not open to interpretation and highlighted the role of VAR, citing the match’s referee István Kovács and VAR official Christian Dingert. The governing body noted inconsistent applications in other recent games (e.g., Bruges‑Aston Villa, Arsenal‑Bayern) and aims to ensure uniform decisions in future matches. Barcelona’s protest was rejected under the new guidance.