UEFA Rejects Barcelona's Handball Protest

UEFA Dismisses Barcelona's Protest Over Referee Decision in Champions League Clash

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — UEFA's disciplinary body on Tuesday rejected FC Barcelona's formal complaint regarding a disputed handball incident during their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match against Atlético de Madrid, upholding the 2-0 result from April 8 at Spotify Camp Nou.

The decision came hours before the second leg at Atlético's Metropolitano Stadium, leaving Barcelona to pursue a comeback without any review of the officiating. Atlético secured the victory with goals from Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth, putting the Catalan club in a precarious position in the tie.

The controversy centered on a 54th-minute moment when Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso appeared to take a goal kick, passing the ball short to defender Marc Pubill inside the penalty area. Pubill, already holding a yellow card, handled the ball to control it before resetting the play. Barcelona argued the ball was in play, warranting a penalty kick and a second yellow card for deliberate handling under IFAB rules. Referee Istvan Kovacs waved away the appeals, and video assistant referee Christian Dingert did not...