Question Number: 27108

Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/14/2013

RE: rec Adult

ash of portsmouth, england asks...

Im having an argument about quick free kicks. although in some cases players cant get back 10 yards as you would expect them to but taking a quick free kick to your advantage because you have been fouled no matter if it hits an opponent either accidental or the player has stoped it 4 5 6 7 yards away has to be a retake because there would be no advantage of a quick freekick so there for would pretty pointless in having that option. i know if you score many would say that player was 5 yards away but you scored your not complaining now but the way i see it thats the reason for a quick one to take advantage of the other team fouling you so in any case if it hits a player 3 or 4 yards away should be a retake accidental or not??

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ash
Unless the defender has prevented the free kick from being taken or comes towards the quick free kick charging the ball down the attacking team has to accept the outcome of the quick free kick when it does not work as planned and it is intercepted by an opponent who is less than 10 yards from the ball.
The relevant section of the Laws of the Game state and I quote
'' Law 13 If a player decides to take a free kick quickly and an opponent who is less than 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball intercepts it, the referee must allow play to continue.''

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Once the fouled team decides to take a quick free kick, they forfeit the right to the 10 yards. Unless the opposing player makes a move towards the ball, play should be allowed to continue.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 27118