Question Number: 14825

League Specific 2/11/2007

RE: pro Professional

vahid molaei of rasht, gilan iran asks...

dear sir
i want ask a soccer question but i wrote my question is about futsal.
this question is about soccer :
1- can start the game without goalkeeper?if a team have seven players.can play without goalkeeper? if coach dont want use of goalkeeper, referee can permision?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Nope someone has to wear the funny colored shirt. That player can go wherever they want. There is absolutly no exceptions to this no matter how many player the team has.

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No. The Laws Of The Game stipulate that one of the players has to be a goalkeeper. The goalkeeper, however, may go anywhere on the field he likes so he may leave the goal and penalty area and roam free. He must still wear a jersey that designates him as the keeper.

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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Short and simple, there has to be a goalkeeper who is dressed differently. However, there's nothing in the Laws that says he has to act like a goalkeeper.

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