Question Number: 25849

Law 13 - Free Kicks 12/21/2011

RE: Adult

Robert Jackson of Winchester, Hampshire England asks...

When did it become legal for players to be nearer than 10 yards to the ball when a free kick is taken? I know it must be as referees let it happen all the time in the Premier League but I can't fine when the law changed.

Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Robert
The Law has not changed in repect of Law 13. All opponents must be at least 10 yds from the ball until it is in play. On free kicks that are taken quickly by a player, opponents can be within 10 yards. If the opponent intercepts the ball , the referee must allow play to continue.
Having watched the Premier league I would say that most attacking free kicks are ceremonial in nature with the referee pacing 10 yards off from the ball. Most players in the walls do not chase the ball down whatever about edging closely toward the ball after the 10 yards is paced off. Most times it is seen as trifling and the kicker rarely complains.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

In the early 2000's FIFA published a question and answer that indicated that if the attacking team took the kick even though an opponent was within ten yards, the referee should allow play to continue (unless the opponent did something to prevent the kick).

That interpretation allows for exciting play on quick free kicks. At higher levels, teams have set plays that rely on a defender being closer than ten yards. Particularly at the highest levels, referees will give the kicking team every opportunity to take a quick free kick if they wish.

The interpretation, however, also has led players to believe erroneously that the kicking team has to ask for ten yards. They do not! Referees are trained to be proactive in dealing with players who stand in front of the ball or otherwise prevent a kick.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

It's not and the defending players must give the 10 yards without being told. That said, 2 things to consider:
1. If the attacking team exercises it's right to take a quick free kick, they forfeit the right to the 10 yards.
2. Inexplicably to me, referees all over the world now accept 7-8 yards as being 10 and refuse to enforce the Law.