MATCH
READY REF

LAW 9 · Ball in Play · 2026/27

Is the ball in play if it rebounds off an assistant referee?

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THE DECISION

The ball is out of play when it touches a match official, remains on the field of play and: a team starts a promising attack or the ball goes directly into the goal or the team in possession of the ball changes The ball is in play at all other times when it touches a match official and has not wholly passed over the goal line or touchline.

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