Football’s rule-makers have approved two new laws that could see players sent off at this summer’s World Cup for covering their mouths and for walking off the pitch in protest.
It is a gesture that became impossible to ignore: a player shielding his mouth mid-confrontation. Now, football’s lawmakers say enough.
The International Football Association Board, meeting in Vancouver, has approved two new rules at FIFA’s request. Players who cover their mouths when speaking to opponents during confrontations could be shown a red card. So too could players who leave the pitch in protest at a referee’s decision, a response to ugly scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal earlier this year.
The decision was triggered partly by an incident in February, when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt while talking to Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League match. He was later found guilty of homophobic conduct and banned for six matches.
Critically, referees retain full discretion; context will still matter. And any team official who incites players to walk off could also face punishment.
FIFA confirmed both rules will be in effect at the World Cup this summer.