A goalkeeper catches the ball inside their penalty area and releases it from their hands in an attempt to make a long pass. After the ball is thrown up but before it is kicked by the goalkeeper, an opposing attacker standing nearby extends a leg, kicks the ball, and scores a goal. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee disallows the goal and awards an indirect free kick to the goalkeeper’s team, as opponents may not play the ball while the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it. The attacker is not cautioned unless the action is reckless or stops/interferes with a promising attack, in which case a yellow card is shown.