Controversial Decision! Was Koundé’s Handball Not Given According to UEFA’s Ruling?

In the quarter-finals of this European Championship, Moreno scored a last-gasp winner, securing a 2-1 victory for Spain over the host nation Germany and advancing to the semi-finals. It’s worth noting that a highly contentious incident occurred during extra time.

With five minutes remaining in extra time, German star Musiala unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, which struck Koundé’s left hand as he attempted to block it inside the area. The German players immediately signaled for a handball, but the referee team did not award a penalty. ESPN promptly reported and analyzed the controversial incident after the match.

Indeed, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Stuart Attwell – who had awarded a penalty to Germany in the Round of 16 match against Denmark – reviewed the incident and decided against penalizing Koundé. In the game where Germany eliminated Denmark 2-0, a penalty was given in the 53rd minute when Raum’s cross hit Danish defender Andersen’s outstretched right hand. UEFA’s explanation for that penalty decision was that if an arm is raised and blocks the ball without a justifiable body position, then a penalty should be awarded.

Recently, in a pre-match briefing, UEFA’s chief referee, Rosetti, specifically highlighted that if the ball hits a player’s arm that is in a natural position or behind the body, no handball foul should be given. This seems to be the reasoning behind Referee Attwell’s decision not to intervene after reviewing the video footage.