Football Laws of the Game

Nilesh Lal, Suva

I refer to a commentary by a popular commentator in saying: ‘goalkeepers are protected in the six yard box'. Contrary to this, the only function of the goal area, also known colloquially as the ‘goal box', or ‘6yard box' is to limit the area where a goal kick is taken.

A goal kick in association football is the way to restart the game when the ball has been kicked past the goal line and outside the goal by the attacking team. Therefore, the 6-yard box is only there for restart purposes and it plays no part in the general open play of the game or should not be considered special in any decision making by the referee.

Goalkeepers are ‘protected' inside the whole penalty area (18 yard box) in that the Laws of the Game (LOTG) state that: ‘When a goalkeeper has gained possession of the ball with his hands, he cannot be challenged by an opponent'. There is no significance of the 6-yard box in providing any special privilege to the goalkeeper.

I hope the concerned football commentator will take note and refrain from spreading misinformation. Football commentators will be doing a great service to the game if they read and understand FIFA Laws of the Game, the latest version of which is available on the FIFA website.