Corner Kick

A corner kick is awarded when the ball fully crosses the goal line, having last been touched by a defending player. The kick is taken from the corner arc nearest to where the ball went out.

The full rule

A corner kick is a method of restarting play. It is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line — either on the ground or in the air — having last been touched by a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored. The ball is placed in the corner arc and must be stationary when kicked. Opponents must be at least 10 yards from the corner arc until the ball is in play. A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team — if it goes directly into the kicker's own goal, a corner is awarded to the opponents.

Key points

✓Awarded when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by a defender
✓Taken from the corner arc on the side where the ball went out
✓Opponents must be 10 yards away until the ball is in play
✓A goal can be scored directly from a corner
✓Cannot score directly into own goal — results in a corner to opponents

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Defender diverts ball behind own goal line

No goal

A cross is deflected behind the goal line by a defender.

Correct call: Corner kick to the attacking team.

Common mistake: Awarding a goal kick because the referee loses track of who touched it last. The last touch determines the restart.

Scenario 2

Corner kick swings directly into goal

Goal

A player takes a corner and the ball swings directly into the net without anyone touching it.

Correct call: Goal. A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.

Common mistake: Disallowing the goal and awarding a goal kick. Direct corner goals are legal.