What are the special rules for goalkeepers?
I · Intermediate · Who plays, and who can come on? · 12 of 14Every team must have a goalkeeper, the only player allowed to handle the ball, and only inside their own penalty area. They wear colours different from all other players and the officials. Outside the area they are an ordinary player. Any teammate can swap places with them during a stoppage if the referee is told.
How it works
- May handle the ball inside their own penalty area, subject to the back-pass, throw-in and eight-second rules.
- Cannot be challenged while controlling the ball with the hands.
- An opponent must not block the goalkeeper releasing the ball or kick at it as they release it.
- Can play anywhere on the field and can score, but not by throwing the ball into the other goal.
- Must wear colours that stand out from both teams and the officials. Caps and tracksuit bottoms are allowed.
- Swapping with an outfield player: during a stoppage, with the referee informed. Doing it without telling the referee is a caution for both when the ball is next out of play.
- An injured goalkeeper can be treated on the field and need not leave afterwards.
Tricky cases
Can a goalkeeper take a free kick or a penalty?
Yes. The goalkeeper is a player like any other for restarts.
What happens if the goalkeeper is sent off?
The team plays one short. It can substitute an outfield player for a reserve goalkeeper if it has changes left, or put an outfield player in goal.
Is it a foul to stand in front of the goalkeeper at a corner?
It depends on what the player does. Standing there is allowed. Moving into the goalkeeper's way to block them is impeding, and holding or pushing is a foul.
Why the rule exists
The goalkeeper's hands are the one exception to football's basic rule, so the Laws mark that player out and limit where and when the exception applies.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | As above | L3.1, 3.4, 4.3, 12.2, 12.3 |
| IFAB trials 2026/27 | Trials on delays caused by goalkeeper injuries; not in force | L Notes (trials) |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Laws 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 4.3, 4.4, 5.3, 10.1, 12.2 and 12.3, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).