Question Number: 31859

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/3/2017

RE: Pro Other

Josh of Webster, NY USA asks...

Can a PK only be awarded for fouls within the 18 yard box? Let's say it's a break away clear scoring opportunity and the goalie commits a clear foul (emergency break type foul) outside the box can a PK be awarded I understand the Red Card must be given, but can a PK be awarded???

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Josh,
Penalty kicks can only be awarded for offences that occur inside the penalty area. A PK cannot be awarded if the offence happens outside the penalty area, no matter what the offence was.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
Penalty kicks can only be awarded for fouls committed INSIDE the penalty area. The penalty area includes the lines.
Under no circumstance can a penalty kick be awarded for any foul clearly committed outside the area.
Yes than can be questionable ones where the referee is unsure if it is inside or outside and it is a judgment call.
Under the amended Law 12 once a penalty kick is awarded and the foul was a genuine attempt to play the ball the player is now yellow carded rather than red carded. The same foul outside the penalty area that denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity is still a red card and the restart is a free kick from the location of the foul