Why didn't the referee stop play for that foul?
I · Intermediate · What is a foul? · 6 of 14Checked 13 October 2026
Because stopping play would have helped the team that broke the rule. The referee lets play continue when the fouled team will benefit, and goes back to the original foul only if the expected advantage does not come within a few seconds. A card can still be shown at the next stoppage.
How it works
- Play continues after an offence if the other team will benefit.
- If the advantage does not come at that time or within a few seconds, the referee penalises the original offence.
- Since 2026/27 the Laws confirm advantage can also be played when a restart is taken wrongly and the other team gets the ball.
- A card the referee would have shown is shown when the ball next goes out.
- Advantage should not be played for serious foul play, violent conduct or a second yellow card, unless there is a clear chance to score.
Tricky cases
The player was fouled but scored anyway. Is the fouler still carded?
It depends on the foul. For a reckless foul, yes. For denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, no card if the advantage led to a goal.
Can the referee go back to the foul?
Yes, but only if the advantage does not arrive within a few seconds.
Why the rule exists
It keeps the game flowing and stops a team benefiting from its own foul.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | As above | L5.3; L12.4 |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Laws 5.3 and 12.4, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).