Question Number: 32088

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 12/10/2017

RE: Competive Adult

Nia of Damansara, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia asks...

Hi again Ref!

Id like to know. If a player play with a ball and accidently losing his shoes when he kick the ball and ball goes into the net. Goal or no goal?

Thank you

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Nia
A goal is awarded. It is spelt out clearly in Law 4 and I quote
** A player whose footwear or shinguard is lost accidentally must replace it as soon as possible and no later than when the ball next goes out of play; if before doing so the player plays the ball and/or scores a goal, the goal is awarded. **
Now what is not allowed is that the player would play for any length of time without the boot. Typically the boot might be lost in the kick or a second or so before the kick at goal.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Nia ,
as long as the shoe has not flown off to hit the keeper in the face the goal stands. Generally we expect a player to quickly address this equipment issue but in the heat of competition as long as the play is not dangerous we allow a little leeway!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Nia,
Barring an unforeseen (and relatively rare) occurrence such as ref Dawson mentions, a goal scored in such circumstances would count. As both my colleagues point out, the player should replace the footwear relatively quickly - if they continue to play for any extended period without footwear this could put them at risk of injury leading to a PIADM (playing in a dangerous manner) situation if they end up in a challenge with an opponent.