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LAW 12 · Fouls and Misconduct · 2026/27

An attacking player deliberately uses their hand/arm to control the ball inside the opponents’ penalty area. What is the correct decision?

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THE DECISION

The referee stops play and awards a direct free kick to the opposing team for a deliberate handball offence. A caution (yellow card) is not required, unless the referee judges that the player’s action was an attempt to score.

Read official Law 12 ↗