Is the ball out? Follow the whole ball, not the player

Is the ball out? Follow the whole ball, not the player

The entire ball must cross the touchline or goal line, on the ground or in the air, before it is out on that basis. The player’s position is not the test. A ball can remain in play while overhanging the line. Play also stops when the referee stops it. If the ball touches an official and stays on the pitch, specific outcomes such as a change of possession or a promising attack require a dropped-ball restart. A low camera angle can be misleading; avoid judging a close decision from one frame.

Source checked: 16 September 2026. This is an independent explanation, not an official referee decision.