Question Number: 16222

Law 16 - Goal Kick 8/5/2007

RE: Adult

ali of bradford, west yorkshire england asks...

can a goal keeper score a goal direct from goal kick if no other player has touched the ball?does the goal stand?thanks

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Yes. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick. I've never seen this happen before and it would take an amazing amount of distance, on a short field, with serious mistakes or uncaring indiference to allow such a goal against you - that this would be next to impossible.

However, in the unlikely event that you see this happen, the goal is allowed and the match is restarted with kick-off to the team who has given up the goal.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes, it can and does happen. I was taking my initial referee certification course when this part of the Laws was changed - have I really been doing this for a decade? - time flies when you're having fun. There was an article in FIFA magazine about a goalkeeper in a league in Scotland who managed the feat. The ball went beyond most of the players onto the other side of the field, the opposing goalkeeper misread the bounce, it popped up over him and continued on into the goal. The best part of the article was the interview with the keeper. He had just moved to the post, having previously been a midfielder. He said he liked the new position because he scored more.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes - A goal can be scored on a goal kick, but only against opponents.