When may a teammate play a goal kick? Law 16 defines when the ball is in play and what changes for opponents.
When the ball is in play
The ball is in play once it has been kicked and clearly moves. From then on, a teammate may play it; they do not have to wait for it to leave the penalty area.
Where opponents must stay
Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. If an opponent is still inside because they did not have time to leave, play continues and they may play the ball once it is in play. An opponent who deliberately stays in or enters before the kick is taken must not gain an unfair advantage: the kick is retaken if they touch or challenge for the ball before it is in play; if a player who deliberately stayed inside, or entered before the kick, tries to benefit from a quick kick, the goal kick is retaken even if the ball is already in play.
Applying the law
Watch the kick and the ball’s movement, then judge when it was played. For a disputed incident, follow the competition regulations and the referee’s decision: this guide summarizes the law and does not replace that decision.
Read IFAB Law 16 (official source checked 16 October 2026).