28 Jun 2026
Empoli, here is the U17 scudetto. Courses: "Young people are the future we must cultivate"
Empoli won the Under 17 scudetto, celebrated by CEO Rebecca Corsi, who underlined the importance of the growth of young people in the club.
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28 June 2026
The Rules of Penalties: How Are They Awarded and What Are the Regulations?
This article explains the rules and procedures relating to penalty shootouts in football, particularly in view of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The most pressured scoring opportunity in soccer might be the one where no one is defending: the penalty kick. A goal is almost certain, unless there is a loss of clarity in front of the goalkeeper. But what exactly is a penalty kick and how is it awarded? Here's everything you need to know about penalty kicks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
What is a Penalty Kick? A penalty kick — or "PK" — is a one-on-one duel between a field player and a goalkeeper, in which the field player attempts to score a direct shot from the penalty spot.
How is a Penalty Kick awarded? A penalty kick is awarded when a player commits a foul — such as a foul play, push or handball — inside the penalty area, which is a large 18-yard rectangle that extends from the goal line toward the field of play. The total width of the area is 44 yards. A penalty may be awarded during the normal course of play or during a check by the Video Assistant Referee.
Who Takes the Penalty Kick? The designated penalty taker is usually predetermined based on proven ability to score, both from the penalty spot and in other situations. For example, Harry Kane, the leading active goalscorer for England, is the designated penalty taker for the Three Lions.
At What Distance Is the Penalty Point? The penalty spot is located 12 yards from the center of the goal line, meaning there are only 12 yards separating the penalty taker and the goalkeeper at the time of the penalty kick.
What Are the Rules for the Penalty Shot? The penalty taker has the freedom to confuse the goalkeeper while running towards the shot, provided that:
- The penalty taker does not attempt a fake kick or "feint" while attempting to hit the ball, AND
- You do not touch the ball more than once during your attempt. If a penalty taker makes illegal feints, he or she will be cautioned and an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. If a penalty taker touches the ball more than once during his attempt and the attempt is successful, the penalty kick will be retaken. If it failed, it will be recorded as an error and the game will resume.
What Are the Goalkeeper Rules? The goalkeeper must follow three basic rules during a penalty kick: face the shooter, stay between the posts and keep at least one foot on the goal line until the kick. If a goalkeeper leaves his line during a penalty attempt and the attempt is unsuccessful, it will be retaken. If the attempt is successful, it will be recorded as a goal. Additionally, goalkeepers may not touch the posts, crossbar or net as an intimidation tactic. Trash-talking is also not allowed.
How often are penalty kicks awarded? There were 23 penalty kicks awarded during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, six fewer than in 2018. Argentina led all countries in penalty attempts with five, and its designated taker, Lionel Messi, converted all five attempts.
FIFA World Cup 2026: How to Watch The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 games of the tournament will be broadcast live on FOX and FS1, with every game streaming live and on-demand on both the FOX One app and FOX Sports.
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