What should a referee do if a player intentionally handles the ball?

When a player intentionally handles the ball, the appropriate action for the referee to take is to award a direct free kick to the opposing team. This is based on the Laws of the Game, which define handling the ball as a foul when done deliberately. The rule is designed to maintain fair play and discourage players from gaining an unfair advantage by using their hands or arms to control the ball, especially when the action is intentional.

If the handling occurs within the player's own penalty area, a penalty kick would be awarded to the opposing team instead of just a direct free kick. However, in situations outside the penalty area, granting a direct free kick is the correct and expected response. Referees are trained to recognize the difference between accidental and deliberate handling, ensuring that only clear breaches of the rules are penalized appropriately, maintaining the integrity of the match.

Options that suggest allowing play to continue or giving a verbal warning do not align with the requirement for enforcing the rules when a foul occurs. A direct free kick is a tangible consequence intended to deter future violations.