What is the difference between a direct and an indirect free kick?
B · Beginner · Kick-offs, free kicks, penalties and other restarts · 12 of 17From a direct free kick the kicker can score straight into the opponents' goal. From an indirect free kick another player must touch the ball first; the referee shows it by raising an arm until that happens. Opponents must be 9.15 metres away, and attackers 1 metre from a defensive wall of three or more.
How it works
- Direct free kicks are for fouls with contact, handball, holding and the other offences in Law 12.1.
- Indirect free kicks are for offside, dangerous play without contact, impeding without contact, dissent and other verbal offences, goalkeeper handling offences and some procedural offences.
- Taken where the offence happened, with exceptions: an attacking indirect free kick inside the goal area is taken on the goal area line; a defending free kick in its own goal area can be taken anywhere in that area.
- The ball must be still. The kicker cannot touch it again until another player has.
- Opponents stay 9.15 metres away, or on their goal line between the posts. For a free kick in the opponents' penalty area, opponents stay outside the area.
- With a wall of three or more defenders, attackers stay at least 1 metre from it.
- The ball can be flicked up with one or both feet. Feinting is allowed.
- If an indirect free kick goes straight into the opponents' goal, it is a goal kick.
Tricky cases
An opponent was less than 9.15 metres away and blocked a quick free kick. Is it retaken?
No. If the kicker chose to take it quickly, play goes on. An opponent who deliberately stops a quick free kick is cautioned.
Can an indirect free kick be given inside the penalty area?
Yes, for example for a goalkeeper picking up a back-pass. It is taken from where the offence happened, often with a wall on the goal line.
The referee forgot to raise the arm and the indirect free kick went straight in. What happens?
The free kick is retaken.
Why the rule exists
The two types let the punishment match the offence: direct for physical fouls and handball, indirect for technical and less serious offences.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | As above | L13 |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Laws 12 and 13, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).