SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-offside-restart-ifk

When the referee calls an offside offence, how does play restart?

An indirect free kick for the other team, where the offence happened.

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  1. A direct free kick
  2. A penalty kick
  3. An indirect free kick ✔

Why: An offside offence is punished with an indirect free kick where the offence occurred. That is true even if it is in the player's own half.

Huh, didn't know that: An offside offence alone never earns a yellow card.

The dad joke
Why was the offside flag so polite? It always gave the other team a free kick.
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References

Answer: An indirect free kick. An offside offence is punished with an indirect free kick where the offence occurred. That is true even if it is in the player's own half.

  1. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 11 Offside www.theifab.com/laws/latest/offside
    If an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick where the offence occurred
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessAn indirect free kick is kicked straight into the opponents' goal without touching anyone. What happens?Sports & FitnessHow far away must opponents stand when a free kick is taken?Sports & FitnessIs it against the rules just to stand in an offside position?

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