What happens if a player handles the ball intentionally in their own penalty area?

When a player deliberately handles the ball in their own penalty area, it results in a direct free kick awarded to the opposing team. Because this infraction occurs within the penalty area, a penalty kick is the appropriate disciplinary action. The rationale behind this rule is to maintain fair play and prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by using their hands to interfere with the game.

In scenarios where a player commits an intentional handball in their own penalty area, the severity of the action is recognized as it could potentially deny the opposing team a clear opportunity to score. Consequently, a penalty kick is awarded to the opposing team, allowing them a chance to score directly from the spot.

Other potential actions, like restarting with a goal kick, aren't applicable here because the infraction was not against the defensive team's ball last touch. Ignoring the action would undermine the laws of the game, and issuing a yellow card may be warranted in wrongful behavior but isn't automatic for a handball considered within the context of this rule. Therefore, the correct outcome in the scenario described is the awarding of a penalty kick to the opposing team.