In the case of accidental handball, when is a free kick awarded?

A free kick is awarded in the case of accidental handball when the action affects the progress of the game. This means that if a player's accidental handling of the ball interferes with play by preventing an opponent from gaining possession, altering the direction of the ball in a way that affects play, or impacting the outcome of a play, a free kick is warranted.

The rationale is based on the Laws of the Game, which state that handball is considered an offense only when it is deliberate or has the potential to impact the game. This allows referees to maintain the flow of the game while ensuring fair play. As such, the emphasis is on the impact of the handball on the match rather than whether the ball goes out of play or other conditions that do not directly pertain to the play itself.