Hand rule changes in UEFA competitions!

The UEFA met at the beginning of September in Switzerland to their Elite referees for Champions Leagueand it has begun. As confirmed by the MD, in that course the UEFA arbitration led by Roberto Rosetti prepared a report that was also sent to the referees and in which, unlike what was established by the IFAB, all hands inside the area who blocks a shot that goes into the goal should be punished more severely.

It is in one of the clips that UEFA sends to referees every Sunday before match week and where it provides a series of clips with explanations.

The clearest example is playing the Marc Cucurella against Germany the referee didn’t blow his whistle Anthony Taylor and he did not receive any indication from VAR to do so. The shot was blocked by a Chelsea player’s hand Musiala during the extension. When they go for the goal they should be close to their body so as not to be punished.

A play that, moreover, and as MD learned, has already been analyzed by UEFA during the Euro Cup, and then the referee’s standard is that it should be considered a handball and the penalty area should be indicated.

An interpretation of the hands, however, which does not coincide with that existing in IFAB (International Board) and FIFA and UEFA was initially extended. And that is what the CTA applies to the Spanish league, as stated in the arbitration circular:

Hand in unnatural position: Player who covers more space with his arm/hand, takes a risk and, as a result, intercepts an opponent’s pass, a shot on goal, etc. This type of situation covers cases where the hand or arm is clearly separated and away from the body and those where the hand or arm is clearly separated above the shoulder.

Conversely, it is not considered a hand “if the hand or arm is close to the body and not in an unnatural position that takes up more space.” This new UEFA interpretation was never included in the International Board rules.