UEFA Rejects Barcelona's Handball Protest Ahead of Champions League Second Leg

AI Summary

UEFA's disciplinary panel dismissed Barcelona's appeal over a handball incident involving Atletico defender Marc Pubill in the Champions League quarter‑final first leg, maintaining the 2‑0 result and leaving the dispute unresolved before the decisive second match.

UEFA announced on Tuesday that it has ruled Barcelona's protest concerning a handball incident in the Champions League quarter‑final first leg against Atletico Madrid as inadmissible. The decision was issued by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on 13 April 2026.

Atletico, coached by Diego Simeone, secured a 2‑0 victory at Camp Nou, a result Barcelona attributes in part to a disputed moment when defender Marc Pubill handled the ball after a perceived goal‑kick was passed to him.

Barcelona claimed the incident warranted a penalty and argued that referee Istvan Kovacs was not instructed to consult the VAR team. The club labeled the non‑award of a penalty a “major error” that directly influenced the match outcome.

Despite the club’s appeal, UEFA’s statement confirmed that the protest does not meet the criteria for review, leaving the original 2‑0 scoreline intact as the teams prepare for the second leg.