SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-advantage

A player is fouled but their team still has the ball and a good attack. What can the referee do?

Play advantage and let the game continue.

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  1. Must stop play right away
  2. Let play continue for the advantage ✔
  3. Give a dropped ball

Why: The referee can allow play to continue when the fouled team will benefit. If the advantage does not happen within a few seconds, the referee goes back and penalises the foul.

Huh, didn't know that: A caution for a reckless foul is still shown when the ball next goes out, even if the referee played advantage.

The dad joke
Why did the referee wave his arms forward? He wanted everyone to keep moving on.
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References

Answer: Let play continue for the advantage. The referee can allow play to continue when the fouled team will benefit. If the advantage does not happen within a few seconds, the referee goes back and penalises the foul.

  1. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 5 The Referee www.theifab.com/laws/latest/the-referee
    penalises the offence /orders a retake if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time or within a few seconds
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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