The Corner Kick
IFAB · 2026/27Corners after goal-line exits, goalkeeper possession offences or delayed goal kicks.
Award and direct goals
Award a corner when the whole ball crosses the goal line after a defender last touched it and no goal is scored, including special cases in other Laws. A corner is also the sanction for a goalkeeper's hand/arm control beyond eight seconds or failure to take a goal kick following the delay countdown.
A corner can score directly against the opposing team. A ball travelling directly into the kicker's own goal instead gives the opponents a corner.
1. Procedure
Use the corner area nearest the ball's goal-line exit point or the goalkeeper's position when penalised. An attacking player kicks the stationary ball. It is live once kicked and clearly moving, even without leaving the corner area. Do not move the flagpost. Opponents stay at least 9.15 m from the corner arc until the ball is live.
2. Offences and sanctions
A second touch before another player gives an indirect free kick. Handball gives a direct free kick or a penalty inside the kicker's own area, except a goalkeeper's handling there gives an indirect free kick.
A properly taken corner deliberately kicked against an opponent to regain the ball is allowed provided it is not careless, reckless or excessively forceful. Other offences require a retake.
Sources & approach ↗