Question Number: 30550

Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/27/2016

RE: Other

Moshe levy of Palatine, Illinois Usa asks...

Offside inside the penalty area!
Q. Are the player must kick the ball outside the box?
Q. Are the all players must to leave the penalty box?
Thank you !

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Moshe
On any defensive free kick inside the penalty area including iffside IDFKs the ball must leave the area to be in play. It is a retake if the ball is touched by either side for a second time inside the area.
All attackers must leave the penalty area and may not re-enter until the ball has left the penalty area whereas defenders can stay in there although they are precluded from playing the ball until it has been put into play by the kicker who can be the GK or a defender..

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

1. Yes. Any free kick from inside the penalty area is not in play until it leaves the PA. It's not just for goal kicks.

2. All opponents of the kicker. But any teammates that remain in the area cannot play the ball until it leaves the area.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Moshe,
my colleagues state the LOTG as they apply to ANY defending free kick (includes the INDFK for offside ) exiting a PA. One restricyion most often overlooked is the attackers cutting off the corners of the PA to chase a ball or harras a defender. The OPPOSITION is NOT permitted into the PA until the ball has completely exited the PA It is often ignored if it does not interfere with the defenders ability to play the ball out easily. Yet it is not permitted.
Cheers