Source: Real Madrid
In a move to settle a recent on-field controversy, FIFA has officially backed the decision of referee José María Sánchez Martínez to disallow a goal by Real Madrid’s Arda Güler during the team’s 2-1 victory over Mallorca, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
The disputed incident occurred in the 54th minute when Güler scored what would have been Real Madrid’s third goal. The referee initially allowed the goal, but a review from VAR official Juan Luis Pulido Santana prompted Martínez to check the pitchside monitor. After the review, the referee ruled the goal out for an “accidental and immediate handball.”
The call sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts. Some argued that the goal should have stood, pointing out that the ball had rebounded off the Mallorca goalkeeper, Leo Román, just before Güler’s final strike.
To put the matter to rest, Spain’s refereeing body (CTA) sought confirmation from FIFA. The global governing body fully endorsed the decision, concluding that the referee’s ruling was in line with the Laws of the Game.
FIFA’s ruling clarified the specific regulation: a goal must be disallowed if a player scores “immediately after the ball touches the hand or arm, even accidentally.” The CTA’s subsequent clarification explained that an accidental handball can only be ignored if the player clearly gains control and possession before scoring. In Güler’s case, there was no controlled possession, and the action was deemed immediate.
This final word from football’s governing body puts the debate to rest, confirming the correctness of the on-field decision.