Which of the following is a reason for a free kick to be awarded?

A free kick is awarded primarily when a player is fouled during the course of play. This can occur when an opponent commits a direct or indirect foul against another player, leading to a stoppage in the game to ensure safety and fair play. Fouls can include actions such as tripping, holding, or pushing an opponent, and the type of free kick awarded (direct or indirect) will depend on the nature of the foul committed.

In contrast to this, when the ball goes out of play, a throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick is awarded, which differs from a free kick. Similarly, while being offside is a violation that can lead to a stoppage, it results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team rather than being a primary reason for awarding a free kick. Lastly, if play is stopped by the referee, this can occur for several reasons, such as injuries or outside interference, but does not in itself justify a free kick unless associated with a foul.