A defender controls the ball outside their penalty area under pressure from an opposing attacker. The defender looks at their goalkeeper and deliberately kicks the ball towards them. While kicking the ball, the defender slips on the grass, causing the pass to fall short. The loose ball is then chased by both the attacker and the goalkeeper, and the goalkeeper touches the ball first with their hands inside the penalty area. Is this allowed?

Question

Accepted Answer

The goalkeeper is not permitted to handle the ball inside their penalty area after it has been deliberately kicked to them by a team-mate, even if the attempted pass is inaccurate or unsuccessful. The referee stops play and awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team. No disciplinary sanction is taken against the goalkeeper.