If a ball strikes a player in the leg and goes out of play, what is the referee's decision?

Allowing play to continue if the ball strikes a player and goes out of play without intent is correct because it aligns with the fundamental principle of the game regarding accidental contact. In soccer, if the ball unintentionally strikes a player and leaves the field, it does not constitute a foul or an infraction of the rules. The Laws of the Game emphasize that for a foul to occur, there needs to be deliberate or reckless action by the player. Therefore, if the player did not purposely handle or play the ball, the referee simply lets the game proceed from that moment without awarding a free kick or corner to either team. This approach ensures that the game remains fluid and discourages unnecessary stoppages for unintentional actions.