Question Number: 15726

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/8/2007

RE: Competative Under 14

Guido Chayan of Melbourbe, Victoria Australia asks...

I was watching Manchester United and Middlesbrough's 1-1 draw, and Manchester had a goal disallowed because when the keeper Mark Shwarzer was about to kick the ball out, a Man U player took it out while the keeper threw it up in the air to kick, was that the right decision to make and is that allowed?

Thank You for your help
Guido Chayan

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The referee made the correct decision. A player may not prevent the goalkeeper from releasing the ball into play. In this case the keeper was not allowed to execute the punt how he would have liked to. Thus, this is a foul - if he only touched the ball it would be an indirect free kick and if he touched the player it is more than likely going to be a kicking foul which results in an direct free kick.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes it was. Keeper is still in possession of ball if he bounces it or throws it up and catches it.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 12 requires players to allow the goalkeeper to release the ball from his hands. FIFA have, in their Q&A, defined releasing the ball and kicking it away one continuous motion that may not be interfered with. If a player prevents a fair release of the ball the referee must intervene and award an indirect free kick.

The referee acted in accordance with the Law.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Jon [With held]

This is a law clarification that came in at the same time as the introduction of the '6 second law'. Since there is a set time regarding how long the keeper can hold the ball, it is not fair to prevent his release of the ball. Call was spot on. Look at FIFA Q&A for explination of the throwing up of the ball being a part of a continuous kicking motion. I beleive the Man United player was Ole Gunner Solskjaer?

Regards