Regulations were approved by Ifab following advice from Fifa
Fifa has introduced new disciplinary measures for this summer’s World Cup, including a rule that could see players sent off for covering their mouths while confronting opponents.
The change follows an incident involving Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni during their Champions League match in February. Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to Vinicius, who later reported alleged racial abuse to the referee, leading to a 10-minute stoppage in play under Uefa protocols.
Under the updated rules, approved unanimously by the International Football Association Board at a meeting in Vancouver, players involved in similar confrontations may be shown a red card. An Ifab statement said: “At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.”
Prestianni was later handed a six-match ban by Uefa for discriminatory conduct deemed anti-gay in nature. Part of the suspension is deferred, and the decision remains subject to appeal.
Fifa had first raised the proposal earlier this year, with president Gianni Infantino stating he supported red cards for players who conceal their speech during confrontations.
Additional measures will also apply at the tournament. Players who walk off the pitch in protest at refereeing decisions, as well as officials who encourage such actions, will face immediate dismissal. Teams responsible for abandoning matches risk forfeiting the result.
The move comes after the controversial incident at the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, when Senegal’s players left the pitch following a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The disruption delayed the match for nearly 15 minutes before Morocco missed the penalty and Senegal eventually won.
