2026/27 season changes · In force since 1 July 2026. Where they differ from the summary below, these changes take precedence.
- Goal kick: 5-second countdown: If a team delays a goal kick, the referee whistles and signals a 5-second countdown with a raised hand. If exceeded, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.
When it is awarded
When the ball, last touched by an attacking player, wholly passes over the goal line without a goal being scored.
Execution
The ball is placed anywhere in the goal area and kicked by a player of the defending team. It is in play once kicked and clearly moving.
Opponents
Must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. If they enter before and touch the ball, the kick is retaken.
Double touch
The kicker may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. If they do: indirect free kick. If they handle it: direct free kick (or a penalty if outside the area and they are not the goalkeeper).
Offside and goals
There is no offside from a goal kick received directly. A goal may be scored directly, but only against the opponents.
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