An attacker is in an offside position when their team-mate makes a long pass towards them. The ball does not reach the attacker because a defender anticipates its movement in the air and clears the ball by deliberately heading it (without being challenged by any opponent). After that, the attacker becomes involved in play, gains possession of the ball and kicks it into the opponents’ goal. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee awards the goal (no offside offence) because the attacker received the ball from the defender who deliberately played it. As the ball travelled from distance, the defender anticipated its arrival and had time to position themselves, so they are considered to have had control of the ball.