Question Number: 27588

Law 16 - Goal Kick 7/9/2013

RE: Competitive Under 17

Matthew Maxwell of Danville, CA USA asks...

I am seeking confirmation regarding Law 16, The Goal Kick.

FIFA notes in their interpretation of this law, 'If an opponent enters the penalty area before the ball is in play and is fouled by a defender, the goal kick is retaken and the defender may be cautioned or sent off depending on the nature of the offence.'

As per the wording of the statement, is the 'ball in play' once it is kicked and moves forward or after it clears the penalty area?

If I had to make a guess, I would say once the ball is kicked and moves (not necessarily forward because a backward diagonal pass that clears the penalty area is legal).

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Maxwell,

The answer lies within the same law:

'The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area'

The reason FIFA have specified that interpretation is that it is possible for a player to be, for instance, pushed or held (a foul cannot occur while the ball is out of play) inside the PA during the time it takes for the kick to leave the PA - and in which case you would order a retake, and consider carding the player if appropriate.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The ball is NOT in play until it directly leaves the penalty area. This is extremely poor wording by FIFA as a foul cannot occur until the ball is in play and in the example you quote, the ball is not in play. Only misconduct can occur when the ball is out of play . 'Fouled by a defender' should be reworded to emphasize a foul cannot occur with the ball out of play

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Matthew
The ball is not in play at a goal kick until it leaves the penalty area and the kick can be in any direction as long as it leaves the penalty area.
A 'foul' is not the technically correct term here but it expresses the sentiment that the action was play related rather than say kicking an opponent before the ball is in play which is VC.
So as the ball is not in play the goal kick is retaken and opponent is either admonished, cautioned or dismissed depending on the nature of the contact with the defender. the same would apply to a defensive free kick inside the penalty area. It is not in play until it leaves the area.