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LAW 8 · The Start and Restart of Play · 2026/27

After a goal kick has been taken by the goalkeeper, the ball touches the referee outside the penalty area, remains on the field of play and bounces back towards the goal. The goalkeeper handles the ball to prevent it from entering the goal. The referee stops play at this point. What is the correct decision?

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THE DECISION

The referee stops play and drops the ball for the goalkeeper’s team at the position where the ball made contact with the referee.

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