The FIFA red card rule mouth covering directive will take centre stage at the upcoming Club World Cup as officials confirmed that players who cover their mouths during disputes with referees could face dismissal, in a move aimed at increasing transparency in the game.
New FIFA Rules Approved Ahead of World Cup
International Football Association Board approved two law amendments during a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada. The changes followed proposals submitted by FIFA.
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Under the updated rules, players could face a red card if they cover their mouths while speaking to opponents during disputes. Officials said the move aims to improve transparency and accountability during matches.
The second amendment targets players who leave the pitch in protest at refereeing decisions. Referees can now issue red cards in such cases, especially when actions disrupt the flow of the match.
Both changes will operate as competition opt-ins. FIFA has confirmed that it will apply them at the upcoming World Cup.
Incidents Prompting Rule Changes
The issue of players covering their mouths gained attention in February during a Champions League match. Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt while speaking to Vinicius Jr.
Authorities accused Prestianni of racist abuse at first. A later investigation by UEFA found him guilty of homophobic conduct. Officials handed him a six-match ban, with three matches suspended.
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Lawmakers discussed the incident at the annual meeting in Wales before reconvening ahead of the FIFA Council session in Vancouver. The final decision gives referees full discretion when applying the rule.
The second rule follows events at the Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco. The team returned later, but the incident triggered disciplinary action.
The Confederation of African Football later stripped Senegal of the title and awarded Morocco a 3-0 win. Officials said the new rule will also apply to team staff who incite such actions.
FIFA Pushes Deterrence and Transparency
Gianni Infantino said the rule aims to create a deterrent effect. He supported strict punishment in cases where players hide communication during disputes.
Infantino said: “If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously.”
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He added: “There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn’t have said, otherwise he wouldn’t have had to cover his mouth.”
Infantino further said: “If you do not have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth when you say something. That’s it, as simple as that.”
Officials confirmed that referees will consider all circumstances before issuing a red card. Teams that abandon matches could also forfeit results under the updated regulations.
The measures reflect FIFA’s broader effort to strengthen discipline and ensure fair conduct at the World Cup.
