VAR audio: Balde handball called for "unnatural position"

Barcelona secured a 3-2 victory over Levante at the Ciutat. However, the 'Granota' side's initial 2-0 first-half lead, which could have proved decisive, was heavily disputed by the 'Cules'. A handball by Balde in the penalty area, initially missed by the referee, prompted a VAR review after Figueroa Vazquez alerted him.

The referee reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and subsequently awarded the penalty. As is customary, the RFEF published the audio recordings of the VAR intervention, including the conversations between the officials involved. From the VAR centre in Las Rozas, Jorge Figueroa Vazquez issued the alert: "Alejandro, I recommend you come and look at a potential penalty for a handball. When you're in front of the screen, let me know, please."

Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez then went to the pitchside monitor area, where the image of the ball striking the Barcelona defender's arm was ready: "Okay, it's far enough away. Yes, correct, on the shot."

"Put the camera in slow motion, please. I want to see it. The slow-motion replay shows him extending his arm. Perfect. Number 3, penalty and no card. Just a penalty," the match referee concluded. "Perfect," replied the VAR official.

The debate surrounding handball decisions continues. Pedri, after the match, acknowledged that the team had once again received a briefing on the subject from officials this season, yet the criteria remain unclear: "For me, it wasn't a penalty. Honestly, I don't understand, they should explain it better so it's clear to us."

What does the rulebook say?

FIFA introduces the topic with the statement: "in order to clearly define handball offences", a phrase that highlights the ongoing controversy. The international body specifies that the shoulder can never be considered an offence and outlines three scenarios where a handball must be penalised:

1. Deliberately touching the ball with the hand or arm, by making a movement towards the ball.
2. Touching the ball when the position of the hand or arm makes the body unnaturally bigger. A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when their hand or arm position is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, their body movement for the specific situation. By having their hand or arm in such a position, the player risks the hand/arm being hit by the ball.
3. Scoring a goal directly with their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper.