If a goalkeeper handles the ball outside their penalty area, what is the result?

When a goalkeeper handles the ball outside their penalty area, it is considered an infringement of the Laws of the Game. In this situation, the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick from the spot where the infringement occurred. This is because handling the ball is a direct free kick offense when it involves a player, including the goalkeeper.

The rationale behind this ruling is to maintain fairness and ensure that players abide by the established rules, which specifically state that a goalkeeper may not use their hands outside the designated area. Awarding a direct free kick instead of a penalty kick or an indirect free kick aligns with the severity of the violation and where it took place, reinforcing the importance of player responsibility in maintaining control of the game.