Handball rule changes debated after PSG vs Bayern Munich controversy

A penalty decision in the PSG vs Bayern Munich game has sparked debate. Many believe the handball rule needs to be clearer, especially after the ball hit a player's hip then arm.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

Decisions regarding handball in UEFA competitions are sparking widespread dissent, with prominent figures calling for an immediate overhaul of the existing rules. The latest flashpoint involved a penalty awarded to Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich, where the ball struck Bayern defender Alphonso Davies' hip before rebounding onto his arm in close proximity. This incident, and others like it, are being labelled as "atrocious" and "not in the spirit of the game."

UEFA told to 'get rid' of 'atrocious' handball rule after Arsenal and Bayern Munich penalty controversy - 1

Bayern Munich player Joshua Kimmich voiced strong opposition to the penalty awarded against his team. He argued that the ball first hitting Davies' hip and then his arm, without any discernible intent to play the ball with his hand, should not result in a penalty. The situation was amplified by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention, which led the on-field referee to reverse his initial decision and award the spot-kick to PSG.

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UEFA told to 'get rid' of 'atrocious' handball rule after Arsenal and Bayern Munich penalty controversy - 2

"The left arm comes out and increases the blocking surface. The ball bounces off the hip; I always thought that shouldn’t be a penalty."

Similarly, former England captain Alan Shearer has been outspoken in his criticism. He described the handball rule as "nonsense," particularly when the ball deflects from a player's own body onto their arm. Shearer highlighted that while a deliberate handball or an arm being unnaturally extended might warrant a penalty, the current interpretation, especially in cases of accidental deflections, is flawed.

UEFA told to 'get rid' of 'atrocious' handball rule after Arsenal and Bayern Munich penalty controversy - 3

"Once it comes off his leg onto his arm, then for me, that's a different story… Yeah, he's put his arm out, but then the ball has completely changed direction and hits his right thigh, which he cant get out the way, and then it diverts the ball onto his arm."

Push for Uniformity and Clarity

The controversy is further complicated by perceived inconsistencies in how the handball law is applied across different leagues and competitions. Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's head of referees, has reportedly expressed a desire for a unified application of the handball rule across Europe next season. This move aims to address the confusion arising from differing interpretations, such as the more lenient approach seen in the Premier League where deliberate intent is often prioritized over mere ball-to-hand contact.

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UEFA told to 'get rid' of 'atrocious' handball rule after Arsenal and Bayern Munich penalty controversy - 4

Rules expert Dale Johnson has noted that UEFA's current guidelines are a point of contention, and the organization is looking to ensure a more consistent application. Recommendations have been made, including the suggestion that a handball offense should not be called if the ball deflects off a player's own body, especially when not moving towards the goal.

Historical Precedents and UEFA's Stance

Past incidents also fuel the ongoing debate. UEFA previously admitted an error in not awarding a penalty for Marc Cucurella's handball against Germany during Euro 2024. In that instance, Cucurella's arm was deemed to have made his body unnaturally bigger and stopped a shot on goal, a decision UEFA later acknowledged should have resulted in a penalty. Conversely, decisions in other matches, like the one involving Marc Pubill, have seen penalties controversially ignored, adding to the sense of arbitrariness.

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The ongoing discussions and the demand for rule changes underscore a broader concern about the handball law's impact on the flow and perceived fairness of the game, particularly in high-stakes competitions like the Champions League.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people unhappy with the handball rule after the PSG vs Bayern Munich game?
In the PSG vs Bayern Munich match on April 24, 2026, a penalty was given when the ball hit Bayern defender Alphonso Davies' hip and then his arm. Many players and experts feel this was unfair and not in the spirit of the game, as the contact was not deliberate.
Q: What do players like Joshua Kimmich and Alan Shearer think about the handball rule?
Joshua Kimmich believes a penalty should not be given if the ball hits a player's body part, like a hip, before their arm, especially if the arm is not unnaturally positioned. Alan Shearer called the current rule 'nonsense' for accidental deflections off a player's own body.
Q: Is UEFA trying to make the handball rule clearer for next season?
Yes, UEFA's head of referees, Roberto Rosetti, wants a more consistent way to apply the handball rule across Europe starting next season. This is to stop confusion caused by different interpretations in various leagues.
Q: What are the proposed changes for the handball rule?
One suggestion is that a handball offense should not be called if the ball hits a player's own body first, particularly if the arm is not in an unnatural position or if the ball wasn't heading towards goal. This aims to focus more on intent.
Q: Have there been other controversial handball decisions recently?
Yes, there have been past incidents where UEFA admitted errors, like not giving a penalty for a handball that made a player's body unnaturally bigger. However, other decisions have also been controversial, leading to a general feeling of inconsistency.