Spain defender Marc Cucurella has claimed that UEFA changed the handball rule after a controversial moment involving him during Euro 2024.
The incident happened in the quarter-final against Germany, when the ball struck Cucurella’s arm inside the penalty box. Many thought it should have been a penalty, but the referee did not give it.
Spain went on to win the game 2-1, with a late header from Mikel Merino.
UEFA Used the Incident as an Example
Speaking to AS, Cucurella said:
“Yes, that handball has been talked about all over the world.
In fact, UEFA recently came to give us a talk and used my handball against Germany as an example.
They told me it was because of me that they had to change the rules.”
Cucurella: ‘It Wasn’t On Purpose’
Cucurella insisted he didn’t mean to handle the ball.
“They took a shot at me from close range and the ball hit me.
I didn’t do it on purpose.
Man, I would have been the most hated guy in Spain…”
The moment sparked debate across football, as it highlighted how unclear and subjective the handball rule was at the time.
UEFA has since made changes to clarify such decisions.