Clarification of FIFA Law relating to Handball
Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct – Handling the ball deliberately to get advantage for scoring goal.
According to the information under this Law in the FIFA Handbook, the referee’s opinion is the key factor. Is the handball deliberate?
Is the player gaining any advantage?
Is the player gaining a goal scoring opportunity?
Propelling the ball or holding the ball or extending hands/arms to stop the ball would be considered deliberate handball.
If the ball hits a player’s hand accidentally, without any action on his part, it would not be considered deliberate.
Note that the shoulder is considered part of the arm in relation to a definition of handball.
Handball is penalised with a direct free kick, but if the handball occurs inside the box, a penalty kick is awarded.
Y.Toker
