Which action results in a direct free kick if deemed a major foul?

The action that results in a direct free kick when deemed a major foul is related to holding an opponent. This is a clear violation of the Laws of the Game, as it obstructs the opponent's movement and ability to play the ball, making it a serious infringement.

When a player is committed to holding another player, it directly impacts the flow of the game and the fairness of play, as it grants an unfair advantage to the player performing the hold. The Laws of the Game specify that such actions warrant the awarding of a direct free kick to the opposing team, allowing them to resume play with a significant advantage.

Turning to the other choices, while jumping at an opponent can also be considered a foul, it may not always result in a direct free kick depending on the circumstances. Impeding an opponent without contact does not warrant a direct free kick if there is no physical interaction, as it might be categorized as a lesser foul. Deliberately playing the ball out of bounds does not constitute a foul but rather an action that results in the ball being put back into play via a throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick, depending on the situation. Therefore, holding an opponent stands out as the definitive action that leads to a direct free