Red cards can be given to players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents
The International Football Association Board approved a new rule that would penalize players with a red card if they cover their mouths when verbally confronting another player.
The rule was unanimously approved by IFAB at a special meeting Tuesday in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The measure will be in place at this summer’s World Cup, starting on June 11.
FIFA proposed the rule after Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of making a racially charged insult while covering his mouth during a Champions League match in February.
FIFA announces World Cup rules
- Players who cover mouths in confrontations to be sent off at World Cup Sky News —
- Players who cover mouths could face red card at World Cup RTE —
- FIFA to award $871 million in prize money for 2026 World Cup, increasing figure by a further 15% CBS Sports —
- FIFA boosts World Cup money distributed to 48 participating teams USA Today —
- FIFA introduces new World Cup red-card rules to combat racism France 24 —