Question Number: 21782

Kicks From The Penalty mark 8/13/2009

RE: Rec Adult

David moran of Sydney, Australia asks...

In 1986 world cup quarter final France defeated Brazil 4-3 in a penalty shot out. One of the succesful Brazilian kicks struck the post travelled back in to the feld of play hit the french goalkeeper and went into the net. In the 23 years since this event have FIFA clarified this rule. Is the goalkeepr still an integral part of the kick from the panalty mark.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The Laws of the Game say, 'When a penalty kick is taken during the normal course of play, or time has been extended at half-time or full time to allow a penalty kick to be taken or retaken, a goal is awarded if, before passing between the goalposts and under the crossbar:
? the ball touches either or both of the goalposts and/or the crossbar and/or
the goalkeeper'
It's been that way at least since the 1996-97 edition of the Laws.

In addition, in the section from Kicks From The Penalty Mark to decide a winner, it says, 'Unless otherwise stated, the relevant Laws of the Game and International F.A. Board Decisions apply when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken.' So the above quote about penalty kicks taken during play applies.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

In this situation, the ball is still considered to carry its momentum from the kick, thus the kick has not been concluded.

By your description it sounds like a good goal, at least under current interpretations.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The only thing preventing the goal could be an incorrect early whistle by the referee ending play. If the ball clearly missed, struck the woodwork and was headed out into the field with no realistic opportuity to rebound back in off the keeper it is possible the referee could consider the PK taken and over. In kicks from the mark, it is ALWAYS better to wait until it is a CERTAINTY that the ball CANNOT enter the goal under it's own momentum , or is controlled by the keeper or is out of play BEFORE ending the PK!
Cheers