MATCH
READY REF

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

The referee drops the ball for the goalkeeper in their penalty area. After the ball has touched the ground, the goalkeeper picks the ball up inside the penalty area and then kicks the ball to a team-mate. What is the correct decision?

See Decision

THE DECISION

The referee allows play to continue. The goalkeeper may handle the ball in their own penalty area when play is restarted with a dropped ball and the ball is in play (has already touched the ground).

Read official Law 8 ↗