Can a Goalkeeper Take a Penalty in a Shootout

What are the official FIFA rules regarding the order of penalty takers?

FIFA regulations do not mandate a specific sequence for penalty takers, leaving the tactical arrangement entirely to the discretion of the team manager or captain.

• Eligibility: Any player who finished the match on the field may be nominated to take a kick.
• Sequence: The team must provide the referee with a list of shooters before the kicks begin, but they don't have to follow a specific order based on position.
• Participation: Every eligible player must take a kick before any player is permitted to take a second one.
• Notification: The referee must receive the names and order of the takers before the first kick is executed.

Can a goalkeeper be substituted specifically for the purpose of taking a penalty?

No, a goalkeeper cannot be substituted solely to take a penalty. Under Law 10, substitutions are prohibited once the match concludes, meaning only the 11 players remaining on the pitch at the final whistle are eligible to participate in the shootout sequence.

What restrictions exist on a goalkeeper's movement before a penalty is kicked?

The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, between the goalposts, facing the kicker until the ball is struck. They cannot touch the goalposts, crossbar, or nets, and must not behave in a manner that unfairly distracts the kicker, such as delaying the restart or touching the ball before it is kicked. For example, a keeper who steps off the line prematurely will be penalized, and the kick must be retaken if a goal is not scored.

A nuanced exception exists regarding the keeper’s movement toward the ball. While they must stay on the line, they are permitted to move laterally or jump vertically to prepare for the shot. If the keeper moves forward before the ball is kicked, the referee will order a retake, provided the original attempt did not result in a goal.

How does the IFAB Laws of the Game define the role of the goalkeeper during tie-breaking procedures?

The IFAB Laws of the Game define the goalkeeper as a standard participant who must remain on the field of play throughout the shootout. They are required to defend the goal for all kicks taken by the opposing team, unless an injury necessitates their replacement by an eligible teammate.

Are there historical instances of goalkeepers deciding the outcome of a major tournament shootout?

Yes, goalkeepers have frequently decided major shootouts, most notably Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 2019 EFL Cup final or Manuel Neuer in the 2012 Champions League final. Many fans assume that a goalkeeper’s primary contribution is limited to shot-stopping, but their ability to score under pressure is often the deciding factor in long sequences. It is a common misconception that keepers are poor penalty takers; in reality, many train specifically for these moments and possess the composure required to convert high-stakes kicks when outfield players are exhausted.

Does a goalkeeper have to remain on the pitch for the duration of the shootout?

The goalkeeper is required to stay on the pitch for the entire duration of the shootout to fulfill their defensive responsibilities.

• Positioning: The keeper must stand at the intersection of the goal line and the penalty area boundary when not actively defending a kick.
• Availability: They remain available to take a penalty kick if the rotation requires every player to shoot.
• Conduct: They are subject to the same disciplinary rules as outfield players, including potential cautions for unsporting behavior.
• Presence: Leaving the field without the referee's permission results in an immediate reduction of the team's available kickers.

What happens if a goalkeeper becomes injured during the shootout sequence?

If a goalkeeper sustains an injury during the shootout, they may be replaced by a substitute only if the team has not already used their maximum number of allowed substitutions. However, if the team has exhausted their allotment, a player already on the pitch must take over the goalkeeping duties. For instance, if a keeper breaks a finger during the round, the manager must designate an outfield player to don the gloves, as no external players can enter the game at this stage.

A significant nuance involves the status of the injured player. Once a goalkeeper is replaced due to injury, they are excluded from any further participation in the shootout. This rule prevents teams from using medical timeouts as a tactical delay, ensuring the momentum of the tie-breaking procedure remains consistent throughout the event.