A defender deliberately kicks the ball towards a goalkeeper (a team-mate). After that, the ball makes contact with an opponent’s leg but does not change direction and finally goes to the goalkeeper who picks the ball up inside their penalty area. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee allows play to continue. If the ball touches another player (of any team) before the pass reaches the goalkeeper, they can handle the ball (regardless of the strength of the contact/touch).