Question Number: 34349

Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/25/2021

RE: Rec Under 14

Ray Morris of Benton, La US asks...

Indirect kick awarded , player shoots directly at goal touches goalie.

Is the goal awarded

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Ray,

Once an IFK touches any player after the kick is taken, it can be a goal - this includes the goalkeeper.

That's why sometimes you do see players kick an indirect straight at the keeper, hoping for a fumble or a deflection into the goal.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ray,
if on an INDFK the ball was to make contact with the keeper be it deliberate or accidental that is a 2nd touch and if that ball were to continue on its way into the goal, over the goal line, under the crossbar & between the posts, we have a good goal with a kick off restart .
It is only a very astute or aware keeper that has the whereall to let that ball pass them by into the goal untouched a 2nd time KNOWING that as an INDFK they will get the goal kick out. That is WHY the INDFK signal of the raised arm is CRUCIAL information the referee MUST signal correctly ahead of that type of free kick.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Ray,
The short answer is yes. In this scenario, so long as the ball touches a second player before completely crossing the goal line (and no other offense was committed by the team scoring the goal) the goal is awarded.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ray
Yes the goal is awarded.
Law 13 tells us that if an indirect free kick enters the opponents’ goal DIRECTLY a goal kick is awarded. If the ball is played / touched by another player including the goalkeeper then that is not directly so the goal is good.
The law does not distinguish between players in free kicks so an opponent's touch is the same as the kicker’s team mate touch.