What is an Indirect Free Kick in the Premier League?

An indirect free kick is a set piece where the ball must be touched by another player before a goal can be scored. In the Premier League, this rule is enforced by the referee when certain offenses occur, such as dangerous play or obstruction. Unlike a direct free kick, an indirect free kick cannot be scored directly into the opponent's goal; the ball must be played by a teammate first.

How it works

When the referee signals an indirect free kick, they raise one arm above their head and keep it raised until the ball is touched by a second player. The opposing team must be at least 10 yards away from the ball until it is in play. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves. If the ball goes directly into the goal from an indirect free kick without being touched by another player, the goal is not awarded. Instead, a goal kick is given to the opposing team.

The Premier League follows the Laws of the Game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The referee's arm signal is the clearest visual indicator that the free kick is indirect. Players and fans alike must understand that a raised arm means the kick cannot be scored directly.

Key details

In the Premier League, the 20 clubs play 38 matches each season, totaling 380 matches. Each match includes multiple free kicks, some of which are indirect. The referee's decision to award an indirect free kick is based on specific offenses, including:

• Playing in a dangerous manner
• Impeding the progress of an opponent without contact
• Preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from their hands
• Any other offense not specifically mentioned in the Laws for which the restart is an indirect free kick The goalkeeper is also limited in how they handle the ball. If a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than six seconds, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team. Similarly, if the goalkeeper touches the ball again with their hands after releasing it, or if they touch the ball with their hands after it has been deliberately kicked to them by a teammate, an indirect free kick is given.

Common confusions

One common confusion is mistaking an indirect free kick for a direct free kick. The referee's raised arm is the key indicator. Another confusion is whether a goal can be scored from an indirect free kick if the ball is deflected by an opponent. The rule states that the ball must be touched by another player, including an opponent, before a goal can be scored. So if the ball hits an opponent and goes into the goal, it is a valid goal.

Another confusion involves the goalkeeper's handling. Some fans think that a goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball from a backpass, but that is correct: an indirect free kick is awarded if the goalkeeper handles the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to them by a teammate. This is a common rule in the Premier League and is enforced strictly.

Indirect free kicks in the Premier League context

The Premier League, founded on 20 February 1992, has a rich history of set pieces. With 380 matches per season, indirect free kicks occur frequently. The league's substitution rules allow five substitutions per match, which can affect tactical setups for free kicks. Teams often design set-piece routines for indirect free kicks, especially in the attacking third, where a quick pass to a teammate can create a scoring opportunity.

In FPL, goals from indirect free kicks count as normal goals, with points awarded based on the scorer's position. For example, a defender scoring from an indirect free kick earns 6 points, while a forward earns 4. The FPL scoring system also awards points for assists, which can come from a player who plays the second touch on an indirect free kick.

The homegrown rule in the Premier League requires at least 8 homegrown players in the squad of 25, but this does not directly affect free kick execution. However, the quality of set-piece specialists can be influenced by squad composition.

Key takeaways

• An indirect free kick cannot be scored directly; a second touch is required.
• The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising one arm above the head.
• Common offenses for indirect free kicks include dangerous play, impeding, and goalkeeper handling violations.
• In the Premier League, the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves, and the defending team must be 10 yards away.
• A goal from an indirect free kick is valid if the ball is touched by any other player, including an opponent, before entering the goal.

FAQ

What is the difference between a direct and indirect free kick? A direct free kick can be scored directly into the opponent's goal. An indirect free kick requires the ball to be touched by another player before a goal can be scored. The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising their arm.

Can a goalkeeper score from an indirect free kick? Yes, a goalkeeper can score from an indirect free kick, but only if the ball is touched by another player first. The goalkeeper can take the kick themselves and then a teammate touches it, or the ball can be deflected by an opponent.

How long does the referee keep their arm raised? The referee keeps their arm raised until the ball is touched by a second player. If the ball goes directly into the goal without a second touch, the arm stays up and the goal is disallowed.

What happens if the ball is not touched by a second player? If the ball goes directly into the goal from an indirect free kick without being touched by another player, no goal is awarded. The restart is a goal kick for the defending team.

Internal links

For more on Premier League rules, see the Premier League page. Learn about FPL scoring basics. Find out about homegrown players and squad rules.