If a kick-off is taken before the referee signals, what must happen?

When a kick-off is taken before the referee has signaled for it to occur, it is considered an infringement of the rules. According to the Laws of the Game, the kick-off must always be taken following the referee's signal to ensure that the game is being played under the correct circumstances and protocols. This is crucial for maintaining order and fairness in the game.

As a result, if the kick-off occurs prematurely, the appropriate action is for the referee to order the kick-off to be retaken. This ensures that all players are mentally and physically prepared for the restart, and it upholds the integrity of the match. The goal of enforcing this rule is to prevent any unfair advantage that might arise from an unsanctioned kick-off.