Question Number: 27204

Law 3 - Number of Players 2/25/2013

RE: Adult

Maxwell Ma'e of johanesburg, Gauteng South Africa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 26968

When a team is defending a penalty can the keeper step aside for a outfield player to stand between the sticks just for that penalty?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Maxwell
The goalkeeper can be changed with an outfield player at any stoppage in play including a penalty kick. When that happens the change back must wait until the next stoppage.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

The laws specifically state that the goalkeeper must be on his goal line between the goal posts and all other players must be behind the ball.

So the short answer to your question is 'no'. However, the team change change keepers (including changing the jerseys) at a penalty kick, then change again at the next stoppage - as long as they have the permission of the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The goalkeeper must be on the line, between the goal posts at the taking of a penalty kick. But, a field player may change positions with the keeper before the kick. They will need to wait until the next stoppage in play to change back (after informing the referee).