Law 17: The Corner Kick Explained
Law 17 covers when a corner kick is awarded, the procedure for taking it, the positioning of opponents, and the various infringements that may occur during a corner kick.
Key Points
- 1A corner kick is awarded when the ball wholly crosses the goal line and was last touched by a defending player.
- 2The ball is placed inside the corner arc at the nearest corner.
- 3Opponents must be at least 9.15m from the corner arc until the ball is in play.
- 4A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.
- 5The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until another player has touched it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a goal be scored directly from a corner kick?
Yes. A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick against the opposing team. This is sometimes called an "Olimpico goal". However, if the ball goes directly into the kicker's own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents.
How close can defenders stand to the corner arc?
Defenders must be at least 9.15 metres from the corner arc when a corner kick is taken. If they fail to retreat and impede the kick, they may be cautioned by the referee.
What happens if the ball is not placed inside the corner arc?
The corner kick must be taken from inside the corner arc at the appropriate corner. If the ball is placed outside the arc, the referee asks for it to be repositioned. If the kick is taken incorrectly, it is retaken.
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