When the ball is slowly heading out for a corner kick, an attacking team player picks it up with their hands while it is still on the field of play, close to the goal line. What is the correct decision if no other player has the opportunity to touch the ball before it leaves the field?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee awards a direct free kick to the defending team because the attacking player deliberately handled the ball while it was still in play; the player is not cautioned.