SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-penalty-when
When is a penalty kick awarded?
For a direct free kick offence by a defender inside their own penalty area.
- For any foul anywhere on the field
- For a direct free kick offence inside their own penalty area ✔
- For any foul inside the center circle
Why: A penalty kick is given when a player commits a direct free kick offence inside their own penalty area. A goal may be scored directly from it.
Huh, didn't know that: If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the box and keeps holding inside it, the referee gives a penalty.
Why did the penalty area feel so important? It was the box everyone talked about.
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References
Answer: For a direct free kick offence inside their own penalty area. A penalty kick is given when a player commits a direct free kick offence inside their own penalty area. A goal may be scored directly from it.
- IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 14 The Penalty Kick www.theifab.com/laws/latest/the-penalty-kick
A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits a direct free kick offence inside their penalty area
Checked 2026-10-12.
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