Question Number: 32762

Law 14 - The Penalty kick 9/30/2018

RE: Adult

Melwyn of MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA India asks...

During normal time, the attacking team has been awarded a penalty kick as the defender pulled down the attacker in the penalty area during his run towards the goal. Whilst the penalty kick is been taken, can the defending team swap their regular keeper with an onfield player? If Yes, what happens in this case after the kick has been taken - do the players swap their positions again?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Melvyn
Yes the goalkeeper can be swapped with an onfield player at any time provided it is done at a stoppage in play and with the permission of the referee.
So at a penalty kick the team can request a goalkeeper change which should be acceded to by the referee. The players must change jerseys and the new goalkeeper must remain in goal until the next stoppage whatever that may be which can be the resultant kick off if a goal is scored, a goal-kick if the ball goes wide or if play continues with a save until the ball goes out of play again.
It only happens at a Underage where a team has decided to play a better goalkeeper or shot stopper outfield. I have seen it happen in Kicks from the Penalty Mark but never for a penalty kick in a game. The stats on conversion of penalty kicks during a game is quite high with first class goalkeepers so the benefits of a once off change is questionable. It is worth considering at KFTPM.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Melwyn,

Yes, the keeper can be swapped with another player (or even a named substitute, as long as there are valid substitutions remaining). The referee needs to be informed first, and the new keeper must wear the keeper jersey. Afterwards they can swap again - but only at a stoppage, and only with the permission of the referee.

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See Question: 32769