Why UEFA changed handball rules because of me – Cucurella

Femi Fabunmi 

Spain defender Marc Cucurella has revealed that his controversial handball during the Euro 2024 semi-final against France played a key role in UEFA’s recent decision to amend its handball rule.

The Chelsea full-back was at the center of debate when a late penalty appeal against him was waved away by the referee, sparking outrage from French players and fans. UEFA later confirmed that the incident influenced its decision to clarify the interpretation of handball situations inside the penalty area.

Speaking in a recent interview, Cucurella admitted that the episode has left a lasting mark on European football regulations. “It seems my case made them rethink the rule,” he said.

UEFA has since updated its guidelines to ensure greater consistency in handball decisions, aiming to reduce controversy in future tournaments.

UEFA has since updated its guidelines to ensure greater consistency in handball decisions, aiming to reduce controversy in future tournaments.

The new interpretation is expected to come into effect immediately, with referees instructed to apply the rule more uniformly across European competitions.