The UEFA Football Board has called for more clarity on the handball rule and suggested modifications for the next season after their first meeting at the headquarters of European football’s governing body in Nyon.
The UEFA Executive Committee approved a board consisting of managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho, as well as former players like Paolo Maldini and Luis Figo, to provide unbiased opinions on football-related matters.
This week, recommendations were made regarding the handball law, focusing on the part that explains how not all contact between the ball and the arm or hand is considered a violation.
UEFA Football members including Fabio Capello and Luis Figo were present at the Stade de Geneve in Switzerland on April 24, 2023, to watch the final of the UEFA Youth League between AZ Alkmaar and Hajduk Split, as seen in a photo posted on Twitter.
The Board suggests that UEFA should make it clear that if a player unintentionally deflects the ball with their own body, and especially if the ball does not go towards the goal, it should not be considered a handball offense.
The Board suggests that not all handballs during a shot at goal should result in a warning, as stated in the current rules.
Juan Mata, Piotr Czech, and other UEAF Football members attended the UEFA Youth League final game between AZ Alkmaar and Hajduk Split at Stade de Geneve in Switzerland on April 24, 2023, as seen in a photo posted on Twitter.
The Board suggested that UEFA should request a change in the rules regarding sending players off for handball decisions by contacting the International Football Association Board.
The proposal recommended that a player should only receive a red card for preventing a goal if they purposely handled the ball.
If there are any other handball offenses, the players should only receive a warning, according to the statement.