When can't a player be offside?

I · Intermediate · Offside · 3 of 14

Checked 13 October 2026

There is no offside offence when a player receives the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in or corner kick. There is also none when the ball comes from an opponent who deliberately played it, such as a misplaced pass or a poor clearance, unless it was a deliberate save.

How it works

Directly from a goal kick, throw-in or corner kick: no offside offence.
From an opponent who deliberately played the ball, including a deliberate handball: no offside, because the attacker gained no advantage from their position.
A deliberate save by an opponent (stopping a ball going into or close to the goal) does not reset offside.
"Deliberate play" means the opponent had control of the ball and could pass it, keep it or clear it, even if they did so badly. Signs of control: the ball came from a distance, slowly and in an expected direction; the player had time to move their body.

Tricky cases

Can a player be offside from a free kick?

Yes. Free kicks are not among the exceptions.

The defender stretched and the ball flicked off their boot. Does that reset offside?

No. An instinctive stretch with little control is a deflection, not a deliberate play.

Why the rule exists

Restarts from out of play already give the defence time to organise. A defender's deliberate mistake should not be rescued by the offside rule.

Where it differs

Where	What changes	Source
All football under the Laws	As above	L11.2, 11.3

From the rule book

IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 11.2 and 11.3, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).