Question Number: 33755

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/5/2019

RE: Under 19

jeff of carmel, indiana usa asks...

Keeper blocks a shot and has the ball in his hands. He then sets the ball down like he is going to kick it but then picks it back up, foul? I though that as long as the keeper does not play the ball he is allowed to pick it back up.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jeff,
Short answer is NO!
once the keeper releases the ball AFTER handling it legally, he may not use his hands again UNLESS that ball is contacted/played/touched by another player off either team. He can bounce the ball but if he sets it on the ground, based in your description it is a 2nd touch and an INDFK.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jeff
The answer is that it is an offence by the goalkeeper to release the ball from his control / possession and then touch the ball with his hands again.
It makes no difference whether the ball is played or not by the goalkeeper just that he uses his hand/s.
I have seen the odd situation where after a save by the goalkeeper while on the ground sort of releases the ball from his grasp on his getting up yet re-grips the ball immediately which while technically a release is either not seen as that or doubtful.