Question Number: 27777

Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/17/2013

RE: Adult

John Hughes of Bristol, UK asks...

A free kick is awarded to attacking team. Referee blows his whistle for kick to be taken. Second later attacking player re-places ball with his hands before it is kicked. Is this technically a hand ball offence, given that the whistle had already blown?
Witnessed this in the Everton v Chelsea game last weekend (Howard Webb).

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi John,

At a free kick, the ball is not in play until it is kicked and moves. Also, a foul (including deliberately handling the ball) cannot occur unless the ball is in play.

Therefore, it's not possible to consider this deliberate handling as the ball is not in play. The whistle is not what signals play has now restarted - it's a signal, or instruction, for the kicker to restart play.

The only issue here is whether the player is guilty of delaying the restart of play. It could also be some trick to catch the defence off guard, but whether that's permissible under the laws will be up to the interpretation of the referee on the day as it's not explicitly covered.

But assuming he just walks up, adjusts the ball, then walks back and takes the kick - then all we could be concerned about is delaying the restart of play.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

No it's not handling. A player may not deliberately handle the ball if the ball is in play. But, the whistle only indicates that the kicker may proceed. The ball is not in play until it is kicked and moves.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
No this cannot be deliberate handling as the ball is not in play until it is kicked and moves. Some players do it as a ruse / distraction at a free kick and there is nothing wrong with it unless it is done deliberately to delay the restart of play. If it is delaying the restart the player is cautioned and the original free kick is taken with the time lost added on.