An attacking player (Team A) takes a shot which clearly goes wide, missing the goal by several metres. As the ball is clearly going out of play for a goal kick, a substitute from Team B, warming up near the goal line, stops the ball with their foot on the goal line. What is the correct decision if no other player has the chance to touch the ball before it leaves the field of play?

Question

Accepted Answer

The substitute touched the ball while it was still in play but when it is clearly leaving the field of play, without any intention of unfairly interfering with play. In this case, the referee awards an indirect free kick to Team A at the position where the substitute touched the ball. There is no disciplinary sanction.