What action must be taken if a player fails to take a penalty kick correctly?

When a player fails to take a penalty kick correctly, the appropriate action is to have the kick retaken. A penalty kick must be executed following specific rules, including the player having to be aware of the correct procedure—such as contacting the ball without any interference before the goalkeeper moves, if applicable. Should a player infringe these rules, the referee will call for the penalty to be taken again, thereby ensuring that the game is played fairly and following the Laws of the Game.

The other options, such as a goal kick for the opposing team, indirect free kick for the defenders, or a free kick for the attackers, do not align with the regulations surrounding penalty kicks and their execution. Each of these would incorrectly penalize the attacking player or the team taking the penalty, instead of addressing the procedural misstep during the kick itself. When the proper procedures aren’t followed, the retake ensures that justice is served in accordance with the rules governing the game.