Question Number: 28462

Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/29/2014

RE: Rec Other

David of San Diego , Ca USA asks...

We had a soccer game that went to penalty kicks. We shoot the first five we were tied and went to shoot out. In the shoot out round we had our bench player take the seventh penalty and made it. They had a chances to tie they missed and won the championship game. After the game actually the next day the team protested of our player who was on the bench scored the last gaol. Now does the game get disqualified, played again, the ref to be blamed. How should the league decide??

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi David
Only players on the field of play at the end of extra time were eligible to take a penalty kicks. As there was a mis application of the Laws of the Game it is likely that the result will not stand. It is a matter for the competition organisers to decide how to resolve the matter. Solutions could include a full replay or the re-staging of the Kicks from the Penalty Mark. Personally I think a replay is the best way to break the tie when one considers that the purpose of KFTPM is to eliminate that need to bring the teams back on another day.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There are no substitutions allowed during kicks from the penalty mark, with the exception of a goalkeeper who is injured. So it was incorrect for a player to come from your bench to take the seventh kick. The referee misapplied the Laws of the Game in allowing it to happen.

How it will be resolved is up to the competition authorities - the league or tournament organizers. Most leagues have provisions for deciding disputed/protested games. However if they do not, the Laws state that the game should be replayed in its entirety.