Accidental Double Touch at Penalty — Clarified
What happens when a penalty taker accidentally kicks the ball with both feet or the ball touches their non-kicking leg has been clarified and codified explicitly in the 2026/27 laws.
Accidental double touch during a penalty was handled inconsistently. No explicit provision in the Laws.
Accidental double touch (both feet or ball touching non-kicking foot/leg): if goal scored — retake. If no goal — indirect free kick. Deliberate double touch remains an indirect free kick regardless.
What changed
The 2026/27 laws now explicitly cover the scenario where a penalty taker accidentally kicks the ball with both feet simultaneously, or the ball touches their non-kicking foot or leg immediately after the kick. If the ball enters the goal from such a kick, the kick is retaken. If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick is awarded. This clarifies what was previously ambiguous.
Why it matters for the World Cup
This is a rare but important scenario. If a penalty taker slips or stumbles and makes accidental contact with both feet, the outcome is now clearly defined. Referees no longer need to make a judgment call — the law is explicit.
Scenarios
Penalty taker slips and kicks with both feet
A penalty taker slips on the run-up and accidentally strikes the ball with both feet simultaneously. The ball goes into the goal.
Ball clips non-kicking foot and misses
A penalty taker strikes the ball cleanly but it clips their non-kicking foot immediately after. The ball hits the post and goes wide.