What is the correct procedure for restarting after an injury while the goalkeeper holds the ball in the goal area?

When play is stopped due to an injury while the goalkeeper is holding the ball in the goal area, the correct procedure is to restart with a drop ball. This is true especially when the injury prevents safe continuation of play, and no foul has been committed that would warrant another type of restart.

In this scenario, since the goalkeeper has possession of the ball within the goal area, a drop ball effectively allows for the game to resume in a way that reduces the likelihood of further injury. Setting the drop ball 6 yards from the goal line is standard practice, providing the defense and offense a clear understanding of the restart point.

The other options do not apply in this circumstance because an indirect free kick does not account for the unique situation of a goalkeeper holding the ball, a goal kick is unrelated since the ball has not exited play, and a penalty kick is not applicable because no foul has occurred that would justify such a restart. Therefore, the choice of a drop ball is the most appropriate and aligned with the Laws of the Game for restarting play after an injury in this context.