Question Number: 16028

Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/14/2007

RE: 8 Adult

miles cook of pamp, tx usa asks...

In the Brazil_Uraguay match last night, during the "kicks from the penalty mark", a Brazilian player completely stopped and then restarted his approach to the ball before the kick....Is this against the spirit of the game and is there a way to stop this behavior....or is it completely acceptable.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

As of now, it's generally acceptable. FIFA has said that "feinting" on ANY free kick, including penalty kicks is allowed. They will not be anymore specific than that so what constitutes "feinting" will vary from referee to referee. It's generally NOT acceptable to kick over the ball then drop back and kick it for real. Until FIFA takes a more precise stand, this is where we are.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

FIFA have deliberately given leeway on this, and many other things, so the referee may exercise his good judgement on events as the match unfolds. You'll also note FIFA have aimed their words at ALL referees, not just those wearing a white badge. Policy makers, in the various National Organisations, have difficulty getting the word out to all referees because so few actually read policy statements and advice when published.

This particular policy, feinting is there because a penalty just happens to be a free kick and teams awarded a free kick are allowed to take them freely and a manner they deem appropriate, given the referee's signal to proceed.

The referee is free to consider whether or not the feinting is unsporting behaviour or fair play, based on his experience in that match.

Regards,