Question Number: 35587

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/20/2024

RE: competitive Adult

Bob Forche of Columbus, ohio USA asks...

Is it a foul to charge a goalie that doesn't have possession of the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bob
Simple answer is that no player can be charged while not in possession of the ball and with the ball the charge has to be legal that is shoulder to shoulder and not in a careless manner.

For me there is no place in the game for charging off the ball and if it is reckless the offender should be cautioned. The restart is a direct free kick or penalty kick
We can’t have situations where players are throwing their weight around charging players including goalkeepers off the ball and not expect sanction.

I recall a situation where a goalkeeper who was holding the ball went out of his way inside his penalty area to charge an opponent knocking him to the ground. I cautioned the goalkeeper and awarded a penalty kick.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Bob,
Off the ball??? if it is not a fair charge designed to win the ball in a challenge no matter who it is likely a foul punished by a DFK or PK with cards very plausible as USB yellow or VC red send off!
A keeper, inside their own PA, has the 6 seconds of uncontested possession once their hands are on the ball CAN NOT be challenged fairly resulting in the same punishment but you can not even interfere with the keeper at all.
Cheers