"The issue is one of custom and practice rather than the Laws ofthe Game themselves," he explained.

 

"In conceding a free-kick the offending team has taken away the advantage from their opponents. It is therefore the referee's duty to let the team taking the free kick get the ball back into play as quickly as possible in order to keep the initiative.

 

"If the team taking the free-kick does not require the referee to enforce the 10-yard distance then they may take the free-kick at any time without needing to wait for a whistle.

 

"If they do request that the opposition observe the required distance, then the referee takes control of the situation. He will usually hold up his whistle and tell both teams to wait for his signal before restarting play."