Freistoßvergehen

Freistoßvergehen is a term used in German-speaking football to describe offenses related to free kicks. Free kicks restart play after a foul or other infringement, and the Laws of the Game distinguish direct free kicks (from which a goal may be scored directly) and indirect free kicks (which require a touch by another player before a goal can be scored). A Freistoßvergehen covers actions by players that breach the conditions of taking a free kick or that unfairly influence the restart.

Typical examples include failing to respect the required distance from the ball (defending players must be at least 9.15 meters/10 yards away until the ball is in play), encroachment or obstruction by opponents, and handling the ball to prevent play or to gain advantage. Other offenses involve delaying the restart, engaging in unsporting behavior, feigning injury, or dangerous play during the sequence of taking a free kick. The classification also covers fouls or improper conduct that undermine the restart, regardless of whether the free kick is direct or indirect.

Enforcement and consequences depend on the nature of the infringement. The referee may award the appropriate free kick to the non-offending team, and may also issue disciplinary sanctions such as yellow or red cards for dissent, repeated offenses, or serious foul play. For indirect free kicks, the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored; for direct free kicks, a goal may be scored directly from the kick. Freistoßvergehen reflect the Laws of the Game’s aim to ensure fair and orderly restarts of play.