Law 11 clarifies the difference between ‘deliberate play’ and ‘deflection’ based on the expectation that a player in a clear offside position should not become onside on all occasions when an opponent moves and touches the ball, as outlined in The IFAB’s circular 26 (July 2022). If the pass, attempt to gain possession or clearance by the player in control of the ball is inaccurate or unsuccessful, this does not negate the fact that the player ‘deliberately played’ the ball. How to determine if a player ‘deliberately played’ the ball?
- ball came from distance,
- player had a clear view,
- ball not moving quickly,
- ball direction not unexpected,
- player had time to coordinate their movement,
- ball on the ground is easier to play than in the air.
‘Deliberate play’ (excluding deliberate handball) is when a player has control of the ball with the possibility of passing the ball to a team-mate, gaining possession of the ball, or clearing the ball (e.g., by kicking or heading it). Video examples:
http://bit.ly/Changes23_24
