Champions League: UEFA tightens handball rules in the penalty area

UEFA will modify its regulations for the next seasons of its European competitions. From now on, any player touching the ball with his hand in his area after a goal clearance may be penalized with a penalty, regardless of his intention.

UEFA has introduced a new regulatory provision which will apply during the next seasons of the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League. From now on, players will no longer be able to voluntarily or involuntarily touch the ball with their hand in their own area after a goal clearance. Any infraction of this type may result in a penalty, regardless of the player’s intention at the time of the gesture.

This change in the regulations was presented on Thursday in Monaco by Roberto Rosetti, head of UEFA refereeing, on the sidelines of the draw for the championship phase of the Champions League. The European body thus wishes to clarify a situation likely to cause different interpretations depending on the meetings. Referees will therefore have to be particularly attentive to these phases of play as soon as the new provision comes into force.

This change will affect the three main European club competitions organized by UEFA and will constitute a notable change for defenders and goalkeepers, who will have to adapt their behavior during goal clearances.