When is a direct free kick awarded?

Answer 1

There are 10 direct free kick offences or "fouls":

• kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
• trips or attempts to trip an opponent
• jumps at an opponent
• charges an opponent
• strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
• pushes an opponent
• tackles an opponent
• holds an opponent
• spits at an opponent
• handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
• is inside the box when fouled

These must be committed by a player, against an opponent, on the field, and during active play. If any are committed by a defender, against an attacker, and within the defender's penalty area, then a penalty kick is awarded instead.

A foul may also be misconduct as well, depending on it's nature, resulting in a caution or a send off.

Answer 2

Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent,

Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent,

Striking or attempting to strike an opponent,

Jumping at or on an opponent,

Charging an opponent

Pushing an opponent