The Penalty Rule Everyone Breaks

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:00:02]Encroachment [music] at a penalty kick.

[00:00:04]Players sneaking into the box early.

[00:00:07]You see it in every match.

[00:00:09]But, what does the law actually say?

[00:00:11]Law 14 is very specific. The kicker's teammates must be outside the penalty area, outside the penalty arc, and behind the ball. All three conditions.

[00:00:24]Defending players must be outside the penalty area, and at least 9.15 m, 10 yd, from the penalty mark.

[00:00:33]Also, behind the line of the ball.

[00:00:36]The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line, between the posts, facing the kicker.

[00:00:41]They can move sideways. They [music] cannot come off the line until the ball is kicked.

[00:00:46]So, what happens when someone breaks those rules?

[00:00:49]If a defending player encroaches and the kick is saved, retake.

[00:00:54]If the kicker's teammate encroaches and a goal [music] is scored, goal disallowed. Indirect free kick.

[00:01:02]And here's the one that always surprises people.

[00:01:05]Both sides encroach at the same time, retake. No punishment to either [music] side.

[00:01:11]The law isn't trying to reward anyone.

[00:01:14]It's just trying to reset to a fair start.

[00:01:17]Which means, in theory, encroachment is almost a rational strategy.

[00:01:22]Follow for more football explained.