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

The referee drops the ball for one player of the team that last touched the ball before play has been stopped. After the ball touches the ground, the player notices that an opposing goalkeeper is far from the goal line, takes a shot and kicks the ball directly into the goal. What is the correct decision?

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THE DECISION

The referee awards a goal kick to the opposing team. A goal cannot be awarded because the dropped ball has not touched two players before entering the goal.

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