IFAB approves red cards for players covering mouths during confrontations
Updated
Updated · NPR · Apr 28
IFAB approves red cards for players covering mouths during confrontations
10 articles · Updated · NPR · Apr 28
The International Football Association Board's new rule will be enforced at the 2026 World Cup this summer.
This measure aims to deter players from concealing their speech during on-field disputes, with red cards as punishment.
The rule follows recent controversy involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who was banned after allegedly making homophobic remarks while covering his mouth, prompting calls for stricter regulations.
Beyond the mouth-covering rule, what other surprising changes will debut at the 2026 World Cup?
The incident sparking the rule involved homophobia. Is the official focus on racism misdirected?
Does punishing a gesture, not proven words, truly address the root cause of racism in football?
How can players prove their innocence if accused of hate speech while covering their mouths?
With VAR now checking corner kicks, are we sacrificing game flow for perfect accuracy?