Encroachment at Free Kicks & Penalties

Opponents must be at least 9.15 metres (10 yards) from the ball at free kicks. At penalties, all players except the kicker and goalkeeper must be outside the penalty area. Encroachment does not always lead to a retake.

The full rule

Encroachment means a player entering a restricted area before the ball is in play. At free kicks, opponents must be 10 yards from the ball — but if the kick is taken quickly and an opponent less than 10 yards away intercepts, play continues unless the opponent deliberately prevented a quick restart. At penalties, encroachment by the attacking team that impacts the goalkeeper results in a retake if the penalty is scored. Encroachment by the defending team that impacts the kicker results in a retake if the penalty is missed. If both teams encroach, the kick is retaken regardless.

Key points

✓Opponents must be 10 yards from ball at free kicks
✓Deliberately preventing a quick free kick restart is a caution
✓At penalties, all players must be outside the area until the ball is kicked
✓Attacking encroachment that impacts the goalkeeper: goal = retake, miss = no retake
✓Defending encroachment that impacts the kicker: goal stands, miss = retake
✓Both teams encroach: always retake regardless of outcome
✓Encroachment with no impact on the outcome: no retake

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Attacker enters area early, penalty scored

Goal

An attacking player enters the penalty area before the kick is taken. The penalty is scored.

Correct call: Retake only if the encroachment clearly impacted the goalkeeper. If the goalkeeper was not affected and the ball went in cleanly, the goal stands.

Common mistake: Automatically ordering a retake whenever an attacker encroaches. The impact on the goalkeeper must be assessed.

Scenario 2

Defender encroaches, penalty missed

No goal

A defending player enters the penalty area before the kick. The penalty hits the post and goes wide.

Correct call: Retake. Defending encroachment when the penalty is missed always results in a retake, regardless of whether the defender affected the outcome.

Common mistake: Allowing the miss to stand because the defender was only slightly inside the area. The rule is clear — defending encroachment plus a miss equals retake.

Scenario 3

Player stands 8 yards from free kick

No foul

A player in the wall is 8 yards from the ball rather than the required 10 yards when a free kick is taken.

Correct call: If the kick was taken quickly and the player did not deliberately interfere, play continues. If they deliberately stood close to prevent a quick restart, caution them.

Common mistake: Stopping play every time a player is slightly close to a free kick. Quick free kicks are encouraged and encroachment only warrants action if it is deliberate or affects the outcome.