If a player makes contact with an opponent while impeding their progress, what must the referee award?

When a player makes contact with an opponent while impeding their progress, the appropriate action for the referee is to award a direct free kick. This type of foul occurs when a player uses their body to obstruct or interfere with the movement of an opponent, which is defined as impeding the opponent's progress. Since the infringement involves physical contact that meets the criteria for a direct free kick, the referee must stop the play and award this restart.

A direct free kick allows the opposing team to take a shot on goal or play the ball without further interference from the infringing player. This decision underlines the importance of safety and fairness in the game, ensuring that players have the opportunity to proceed unimpeded when they are justly within their rights to do so.