What is the appropriate restart when a player impedes an opponent not within playing distance of the ball?

When a player impedes an opponent not within playing distance of the ball, the appropriate restart is an indirect free kick. This situation arises because the Laws of the Game recognize that impeding an opponent, even if the ball is not within playing distance, can disrupt fair play and the opponent's ability to engage in the game.

An indirect free kick signals that the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored, emphasizing the nature of the foul and the fact that it does not warrant a direct scoring opportunity. This is in line with the governing principles of the game, which aim to maintain fairness by not allowing a player to gain undue advantage through actions that inhibit their opponents, despite the ball being away.

Other restarts, like a direct free kick or a penalty kick, are not suitable in this instance, as they are reserved for more serious fouls or acts of misconduct when the ball is in play or when the foul occurs within the penalty area. A throw-in is irrelevant here because it pertains to the ball going out of play over the touchline, which is not the case in this scenario.