What is the four-second rule?
Rule- Canada
- Canada Soccer
- Futsal
- FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game
- All ages
- 2025-26
- Parents
Kick-ins, goal clearances, corner kicks and free kicks must be taken within four seconds of the team being ready to take them (or of the referee signalling that the team is ready). If the restart is late:
- kick-in: the opponents get the kick-in
- goal clearance: the opponents get an indirect free kick
- corner kick: the opponents get a goal clearance
- free kick: the opponents get an indirect free kick
For goalkeepers, an indirect free kick is also awarded if the goalkeeper controls the ball with the hands, arms or feet in their own half for more than four seconds.
Source: FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game 2025-26, Laws 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17, published by Canada Soccer.
Updated 25 Oct 2026