Marc Cucurella’s Euro 2024 Handball Sparks UEFA Rule Change
Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has shared that a pivotal handball incident involving him at Euro 2024 prompted UEFA to revise its approach to handball rules.
The controversy unfolded during Spain’s intense quarter-final against hosts Germany, where Cucurella’s arm made contact with the ball inside the box. Despite fierce appeals from Germany’s players and supporters, the referee judged that no penalty was warranted.
That decision proved crucial as Spain eventually triumphed 2-1, with Mikel Merino heading in a decisive goal in stoppage time. In the aftermath, the handball sparked widespread debate across the football world about what truly constitutes a handball offense.
Reflecting on the incident in an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Cucurella revealed: “That handball moment was discussed everywhere. UEFA actually visited us and used my handball against Germany as the prime example. They admitted the rule had to be changed because of that play.”
The Chelsea star was quick to clarify that there was no intent on his part. He explained, “It was a shot from very close range; the ball just hit me. I never meant to touch it with my hand, and it certainly wasn’t intentional. Honestly, if that had led to a penalty, I’d probably be the most unpopular person in Spain.”
As a direct result of ongoing discussions and the visible confusion surrounding the incident, UEFA has modified its guidance to referees on handball calls, seeking to bring greater clarity and fairness to the game.
