Goalkeeper Distribution Rules

Once a goalkeeper has possession in their hands, opponents cannot interfere with the release. The goalkeeper also cannot be prevented from throwing, rolling or kicking the ball. Violations result in an indirect free kick.

The full rule

After a goalkeeper gains possession, they have the right to distribute the ball without interference. Opponents cannot block or impede the goalkeeper's throwing or kicking motion, cannot prevent them from releasing the ball, and cannot attempt to kick or head the ball while the goalkeeper is holding it. However, once the ball has been released and is no longer in the goalkeeper's hands, it is in play and can be challenged. A goalkeeper who drops the ball and then picks it up again has released it and regained possession — which is permitted as long as no opponent touched it in between. The key distinction is whether the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing when the challenge occurs.

Key points

✓Opponents cannot interfere with goalkeeper's release of the ball
✓Cannot attempt to kick ball while goalkeeper holds it
✓Cannot block or impede the throwing or kicking motion
✓Once released and in play, the ball can be challenged normally
✓Goalkeeper dropping and re-collecting without opponent touch is permitted
✓Violation by opponent = indirect free kick at the spot

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Attacker blocks goalkeeper's throwing motion

Foul

A goalkeeper winds up to throw the ball out and an attacker moves their arm in front of the release point, blocking the throw.

Correct call: Indirect free kick to the defending team. Preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball is a specific offence under Law 12.

Common mistake: Allowing it because the attacker did not touch the goalkeeper. Blocking the path of the throw without touching the goalkeeper is still interference with the release.

Scenario 2

Goalkeeper drops ball, attacker kicks it

Foul

A goalkeeper drops the ball to kick it. Before they kick, an attacker reaches in and kicks the ball away.

Correct call: Indirect free kick. The goalkeeper was in the process of releasing the ball by dropping it to kick — the attacker cannot challenge at this moment.

Common mistake: Allowing play because the ball touched the ground and appeared to be in play. The goalkeeper dropping the ball to volley it is still considered in possession until the kick is made.