If you cover your face in soccer to block the ball is that a foul?

Answer 1

"Obstruction" is an outdated term and is no longer used in the Laws of the Game. The term currently used is "impedes the progress of an opponent."

If a player is, in the opinion of the referee, within a reasonable playing distance of the ball and chooses to shield the ball instead, then impeding is not applicable. Even if the ball is not within playing distance, each player has a right to the space they already occupy. So if I move into your path I am impeding, but if you try and run through me it is not.

The consequence for impeding the progress of an opponent is a restart with an indirect free kick for the opposing team. This is true even if it occurred within the penalty area! An indirect free kick will not be upgraded to a penalty kick.

Answer 2

No. A foul must be done by a player, against an opponent, on the field, and during active play.

It could be deliberate handling if the referee determines that it was done deliberately. In general, if there is little time and the player is protecting their face, this will not be called. As the talent and age of the players increases, this is more and more likely to be judged deliberate.