Law 15: The Throw-in2. Offences and sanctions·Page 142, 2026/27 edition

2. Offences and sanctions

The provision as it is printed, and everything on Ruleside that turns on it.

An opponent who unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower (including moving closer than 2 m (2 yds) to the place where the throw-in is to be taken) is cautioned for unsporting behaviour, and if the throw-in has been taken, an indirect free kick is awarded.
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, page 142 · clause law-15-bcbb913d

Verdicts that turn on it 3

Walk the tree to any of these and this clause is part of the answer.

Nothing to punishthrow-in
Caution: unsporting behaviour, and the throw-in is still to be takenthrow-in
Caution, and an indirect free kick to the throwing teamthrow-in

Questions that ask it 2

Points in a walk where the reader is deciding this provision.

Did an opponent distract or impede the thrower, or come within 2 m (2 yds)?throw-in
Had the throw-in been taken?throw-in

The Laws of the Game are published by The IFAB and quoted here for the purpose of explaining the decisions on this site. Ruleside is not affiliated with The IFAB or FIFA. Every clause of The Throw-in that Ruleside cites.