The referee drops the ball for the goalkeeper (Team A) in their penalty area (as outlined in Law 8). After the ball has touched the ground, the goalkeeper does not touch the ball and leaves it for a defender (Team A) who remained 4 m from the ball until it was in play. The defender comes up, kicks the ball and starts an attack. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee allows play to continue. In certain circumstances, Law 8 requires that the ball is dropped for the defending team goalkeeper, however, the goalkeeper does not have to play the ball.