Question Number: 33725

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/21/2019

RE: Rec Under 9

Mike Bookham of BIRMINGHAM, West Midlands United Kingdom asks...

If a goal keeper has the ball in their hand and go to kick the ball up field out of their hands is an opponent allowed to block the goal keepers kick with their foot at close range?

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Mike,
No, they are not. The law says it is an indirect free kick offence if a player:

''prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from the hands or kicks or attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it''

As my colleagues have indicated, the referee may choose in addition to issue a yellow card if they consider the player's actions in preventing the release are particularly egregious or especially if they are dangerous. If the player tries to block the keeper's kicking action with their foot from close range, I would consider that a dangerous (potentially highly dangerous) action and I think most other referees would too.

Before the recent shortening/simplification of the Laws, they used to say the following:

''A player must be penalised for playing in a dangerous manner if he kicks or attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it
[...]
If a player plays in a dangerous manner in a “normal” challenge, the referee should not take any disciplinary action. If the action is made with obvious risk of injury, the referee should caution the player''

Although that wording is no longer in the published laws document, I think the spirit of it still holds true.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Mike,
The laws state that a player is not allowed to prevent the keeper from releasing the ball. This includes blocking the kick.
Some people think that as long as the opponent stands outside the Penalty Area to block the kick (even by jumping up) it's permitted - this is incorrect. The keeper must be allowed to release the ball.
While such an offence may result in a card, that is optional depending on the situation (more applicable to older ages). Sticking the foot in close to the keeper is likely to be dangerous with the risk of catching the keeper's follow through, so if it's close to the keeper it's likely a card.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
The answer is no. Under the Laws this is an offence punished by an indirect free kick. In addition if the action is tactical or reckless it is a caution for unsporting behaviour.
In essence once the goalkeeper has the ball in his hands he may not be challenged in any way including blocking with the body or a foot.