What is the consequence of excessive time-wasting by a player?

Excessive time-wasting by a player is considered a violation of the Laws of the Game, specifically relating to delaying the restart of play. When a player engages in actions that deliberately waste time, such as taking an excessive amount of time for set pieces like corner kicks or throw-ins, the referee has the authority to issue a yellow card as a disciplinary action. The yellow card serves as a formal warning, emphasizing that the player's behavior is unacceptable and that further instances could lead to more severe consequences. This action not only penalizes the individual player but also serves to maintain the flow of the game, ensuring fair play and adherence to the spirit of the sport.

The other options mention different forms of repercussions that do not directly align with the specific action of time-wasting as dictated by the rules. A verbal warning may be issued; however, it does not adequately address excessive time-wasting as per the established rules. A free kick for the opposing team might occur as a result of a foul, but it is not a direct consequence of time-wasting itself. Lastly, a suspension from the next match is a much more severe consequence than typically applied for first-time minor offenses like time-wasting.