A direct free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football (soccer) following a foul. Unlike an indirect free kick, a goal may be scored directly against the opposing side without the ball having first touched another player.A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team when a player commits a penal foul, for example pushing or tripping an opponent. However, if the offence was committed within the fouling team's penalty area, the kick becomes a penalty kick.The kick is taken from where the foul occurred, unless that was within the fouled team's goal area, in which case it may be taken from anywhere within the goal area. The ball should be stationary prior to being kicked. Opponents must remain 10 yards (9.15 m) from the ball (and also outside of the penalty area if the kick is taken from within the penalty area) until the ball is in play.
