A defender (Team A) starts a promising counter-attack, kicks the ball and tries to go past an attacker (Team B). The attacker moves into the defender’s path and this movement prevents the opponent from getting to the ball when it is not within playing distance of either player (no contact between the players). Subsequently, the ball goes to another Team B player. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee stops play and awards an indirect free kick to Team A for impeding the progress of the opponent without contact. The offender is cautioned (yellow card) for stopping a promising attack.