Can a Player Take Two Penalties in a Shootout Rules Explained
While the basic rule is straightforward, the mechanics of a shootout often cause confusion during high-pressure moments. Referees manage the sequence strictly to maintain fairness, preventing star players from dominating the spot kicks. Understanding the rotation is essential, especially when matches extend into sudden death or when injury forces a reduction in the number of available takers on the field.
Key numbers
| Feature | Regulation |
|---|---|
| First round limit | 5 kicks per team |
| Repeat eligibility | Only after all teammates kick |
| Minimum players | 7 players per side |
| Sudden death | Starts after 5th kick |
What are the official FIFA regulations regarding the eligibility of players to participate in a penalty shootout?
Only players on the pitch at the final whistle are eligible to participate in the shootout. If a team finishes with fewer players than their opponent, they must reduce their numbers to match the smaller side. A lot of people assume that coaches can bring back substituted players to bolster their ranks for the shootout, but the rules are absolute. Only those who ended the match on the field can step up to the spot. This makes sure the shootout remains a test of the players who actually survived the regulation time.
Does the order of penalty takers need to be submitted to the referee before the shootout begins?
No, teams do not have to submit a specific order to the referee before the shootout begins. Coaches typically decide the sequence on the fly, though they must make sure every eligible player participates. This flexibility allows managers to adjust their strategy based on which players remain confident under pressure.
Are there specific circumstances in which a player may be substituted during a penalty shootout?
Substitutions are strictly prohibited during a shootout, unless a goalkeeper sustains an injury that prevents them from continuing.
- Goalkeeper injury: If the starting keeper is deemed unfit by the referee, a substitute who was already on the pitch can take over the role.
- Replacement goalie: A player who was substituted off earlier in the match is permitted to replace an injured keeper if no other substitutes remain.
- Medical assessment: The referee must verify the severity of the injury before allowing any change to the personnel between the posts.
- Tactical change: Teams cannot swap their goalkeeper simply to gain a perceived advantage against specific opposing penalty takers.
What happens if a team runs out of eligible players to take a penalty during an extended shootout?
If a shootout reaches a point where every eligible player has taken a turn, the cycle resets. The players must take their second attempts in the same order as the first round. This process continues indefinitely until a winner is determined by a miss or a save. For example, if a team has only 10 players due to a red card, the 10th player finishes the round, and the 1st player immediately begins the second rotation.
An exception exists if a team has fewer than 11 players. If one side has more players than the other, they must exclude their extra players to match the opponent’s total. If a player is sent off during the shootout, the team size effectively shrinks, and the opposing team must remove an equal number of players to maintain parity.
Are players who were substituted off during the match allowed to return to the field for a penalty shootout?
No, players substituted off during the match are ineligible to participate in the shootout. Only the 22 players remaining on the pitch at the final whistle are permitted to take a kick. This rule maintains the integrity of the match outcome by limiting participation to those who finished the game.
How do the penalty shootout rules differ between FIFA competitions and various domestic league formats?
While FIFA establishes the standard for international matches, domestic leagues often implement minor variations to suit their specific competition structures.
- ABBA format: Some leagues have experimented with this sequence, where teams take two consecutive kicks, to reduce the statistical advantage of shooting first.
- Five kicks: Most domestic competitions stick to the traditional five-kick opening round rather than adopting experimental shootout formats.
- Red cards: Domestic rules regarding the exclusion of players to match opponent numbers are almost universally aligned with the standard FIFA protocol.
- Tournament rules: Certain cup competitions may bypass extra time entirely, heading straight to penalties to manage player fatigue during congested schedules.
What is the procedure if a player is sent off or injured during the course of a penalty shootout?
If a player is sent off during the shootout, they are immediately excluded from further participation. The referee will reduce the number of eligible kickers for that team to make sure the sides remain balanced. For instance, if a player receives a red card after their first kick, they cannot take a second attempt, and the opposing team must also remove a player from their list of eligible kickers to maintain parity.
An important nuance involves the goalkeeper. If the goalkeeper is sent off, they must be replaced by a teammate who is currently on the pitch. This is the only scenario where a player can change their role during the shootout. If no other players are available to go in goal, the team must continue the shootout with a field player wearing the goalkeeper's jersey.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the best kicker can go twice. Many fans believe a team can nominate their top scorer to shoot repeatedly, but the rules strictly forbid this until the entire squad has participated.
- Counting substituted players. People often forget that players substituted off during the match are ineligible, meaning the pool of available kickers is smaller than the full roster.
- Ignoring the sudden death reset. Once all eligible players have taken one turn, the cycle resets, allowing players to kick again in the same order as the initial round.
Managing the shootout roster effectively
Coaches should prioritize their best kickers early in the sequence to gain an advantage during the initial five-kick round. If the shootout progresses into sudden death, make sure your remaining players are prepared to step up in the established order.