Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wants changes made to football’s handball law following their Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain.
Bayern were knocked out 6-5 on aggregate after a dramatic semi-final filled with disputed handball decisions across both matches. The incidents sparked major debate among players, fans and officials, with Rummenigge insisting the current law had become far too complicated.
In the first leg, PSG received a penalty after Ousmane Dembele fired the ball against the hand of Alphonso Davies. Then, in the return match, Bayern appealed for a penalty when PSG midfielder Vitinha struck the arm of teammate Joao Neves inside the box, but officials rejected the claims because of an exception in the current rule involving contact between teammates.
Speaking to Kicker, Rummenigge said the two matches highlighted why football authorities must act quickly.
“Our tie against PSG once again showed how big and urgent the need for reform of this handball rule is,” he said.
“It absolutely needs to be simplified again. I have never experienced such discussions about a handball in a stadium as I did last Wednesday.”
The former Bayern striker believes modern interpretations have created confusion instead of clarity.
“The grey area has become too large, the rules are too vague, and that creates too much room for interpretation. A simplification is absolutely necessary in the interest of football,” he explained.
Rummenigge also outlined how he believes the law should work moving forward.
“In my opinion, a handball exists when there is intent, or when a player unnaturally increases the size of his body to his advantage or to the opponent’s disadvantage. It’s that simple.”
The 70-year-old warned that football risks more controversy at next year’s World Cup if changes are not made soon.
“This rule needs to be brought back into the black-and-white category. It should be urgently reformed, ideally before the World Cup,” he added.
“Otherwise, there will also be a flood of questionable handball decisions there, which could ultimately help decide who becomes world champion.”
