A goalkeeper jumps for the ball inside their penalty area and catches it without being challenged by any opponent; however, the ball accidentally slips out of the goalkeeper’s hands and falls to the ground at their feet. An attacker runs towards the ball, but the goalkeeper picks it up inside the penalty area before the attacker can reach it. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

Provided that the goalkeeper is not fouled, the referee allows play to continue. The unsuccessful attempt to hold the ball is not considered to be releasing the ball, so the goalkeeper may handle the ball a second time before it has touched another player (no indirect free kick offence).