This took me completely off guard

[mikedn]

So there's a law that allows unsporting behaviour? There must be if this player's action circumvented it...

 

[CapnBloodbeard]

Circumvention requires a yellow card as well.
Not relevant here. The players is simply playing in a manner that ensures an opponent is unable to challenge for the ball without putting himself at risk. It fits perfectly with the PIADM definition. IFK, nothing more.

 

[McTavish]

For me personally i would have considered holding the ball in between the knees as "circumventing the laws of the game" and awarded an IDFK ......

But the only mention "circumventing the law" in the LOTG is in relation to a deliberate kick to the GK so you would be incorrect to award an IDFK for "circumventing".