Key Takeaways:
- UEFA ruled Barcelona’s complaint regarding the refereeing during their 2-0 first-leg defeat to Atletico Madrid as inadmissible earlier today
- Barcelona’s appeal centred on a penalty incident involving Juan Musso and Marc Pubill that was not reviewed by VAR
- The second leg between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid is scheduled for later today
Barcelona’s Refereeing Protest Turned Down
UEFA has officially rejected Barcelona’s grievance over the officiating during their 2-0 home loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, as confirmed by the governing body on Tuesday.
Details of the Penalty Incident
The contentious moment occurred when Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso appeared to have returned the ball into play from a goal kick, leading to Atletico defender Marc Pubill handling the ball within the six-yard area to retake possession. Referee Istvan Kovacs elected to let play continue, while the Video Assistant Referee did not instruct him to review the incident using the pitchside monitor.
🚨 UEFA statement announce Barcelona complaint against referee following game vs Atlético last week is “inadmissible”.
“Following Champions League quarter-final first leg played on Wednesday 8 April 2026 between FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona filed a protest… pic.twitter.com/mIqHGZkMZP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 14, 2026
UEFA’s Ruling and Official Statement
Barcelona proceeded to file an official protest on Thursday, objecting to the handling of the episode. However, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body subsequently determined that the complaint was inadmissible.
“Following the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg played on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, between FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona filed a protest relating to a referee decision. On 13 April 2026, the UEFA Control Ethics and Disciplinary Body declared the protest to be inadmissible,” UEFA said in a statement.
Upcoming Fixture
Barcelona will have an opportunity to overturn their first-leg deficit when they face Atletico Madrid in the second leg later today.
