'They changed the rules because of me' - Spain star Marc Cucurella reflects on controversial handball against Germany that was 'talked about all over the world'

Cucurella has reflected on one of the most controversial moments of Euro 2024, his handball against Germany in the quarter-final. The Chelsea left-back was at the centre of worldwide debate after the ball struck his arm inside the box, but no penalty was given. Spain went on to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time header before eventually defeating England in the final. The Chelsea full-back says that UEFA later used the incident in referee briefings, explaining that it became a case study for amending the handball rule.

The Spaniard's incident was one of the defining moments of Euro 2024. The decision not to award a penalty sparked outrage in Germany but highlighted the subjectivity of handball calls under the laws at the time. UEFA’s subsequent change reflects football’s ongoing struggle to balance fairness and clarity in officiating. For Cucurella, the episode is now part of his legacy, but it also comes during one of the best spells of his career, with a Club World Cup, UEFA Conference League triumph, and a new Chelsea contract under his belt.

Looking back on the incident, Cucurella told AS: “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. And they told me it was because of me that they had to change the rules.”

He also made it clear he never intended to handle the ball: “No, really not! They took a shot at me from close range and the ball hit me, but I didn't mean to hit it with my hand, I didn't do it on purpose. Man, I would have been the most hated guy in Spain...”

Cucurella now turns his attention to Spain’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with La Roja facing Bulgaria and Turkey in back-to-back away fixtures. After establishing himself as a key figure under Enzo Maresca, the 27-year-old could be set for his first-ever World Cup appearance next summer.