Accidental Double Touch at Penalty: Clarified
What happens when a penalty taker accidentally kicks the ball with both feet or the ball touches their non-kicking leg has been clarified and codified explicitly in the 2026/27 laws.
Accidental double touch during a penalty was handled inconsistently. No explicit provision in the Laws.
Accidental double touch (both feet or ball touching non-kicking foot/leg): if goal scored, retake. If no goal, indirect free kick. Deliberate double touch remains an indirect free kick regardless.
What changed
The 2026/27 laws now explicitly cover the scenario where a penalty taker accidentally kicks the ball with both feet simultaneously, or the ball touches their non-kicking foot or leg immediately after the kick. If the ball enters the goal from such a kick, the kick is retaken. If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick is awarded. This clarifies what was previously ambiguous.
Why it matters
This is a rare but important scenario. If a penalty taker slips or stumbles and makes accidental contact with both feet, the outcome is now clearly defined. Referees no longer need to make a judgment call, the law is explicit.
Scenarios
Penalty taker slips and kicks with both feet
A penalty taker slips on the run-up and accidentally strikes the ball with both feet simultaneously. The ball goes into the goal.
Ball clips non-kicking foot and misses
A penalty taker strikes the ball cleanly but it clips their non-kicking foot immediately after. The ball hits the post and goes wide.