Is it law to stand 10 yards away from a free kick in all directions ?. Meaning can an opposing player stand say 5 yards to the left or right of a free kick if he isn't gaining an advantage by not retreating the 10 yard rule ?. I had one come up in one of my fixtures a few weeks ago that a defending player was to the right of the ball at a free kick but wasn't looking to gain an advantage from it and he was about 5 yards away , an attacking player complained to me about the distance but I let it go as he wasn't looking to block the free kick or get involved with it in any way shape or form , was I correct or is it 10 yards away from a free kick full stop ?.