IFAB Approves Red Card for Players Covering Mouths at 2026 World Cup
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has unanimously approved two new rules proposed by FIFA during an extraordinary meeting held in Vancouver, Canada. These changes aim to combat discriminatory and inappropriate behavior on the field. The amendments are set to be officially implemented starting with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 48 participating teams will be notified of these new regulations in the coming weeks.
The first rule grants referees the authority to issue a red card to any player who deliberately covers their mouth during an confrontation with an opponent. This measure aims to prevent conversations from being deciphered by officials, translators, or lip-reading experts. Commenting on the decision, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the necessity of addressing potential hate speech, stating: "There must be an assumption that he said something he shouldn't have said, otherwise he wouldn't have had to cover his mouth." He further added in support of this approach: "If you have nothing to hide, you won't cover your mouth when you say something, it's that simple," considering this measure an effective deterrent.
The new amendments also permit referees to send off any player who leaves the field in protest of an official's decision, or any member of the technical staff who incites players to do so. This move follows extensive consultations with key stakeholders in the sport. Under this amendment, a team that causes a match to be abandoned will be considered to have forfeited by administrative decision, a measure designed to enhance discipline and prevent unjustified stoppages that could disrupt major international competitions.
The issue of players covering their mouths gained significant attention last February, following an incident involving Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. This prompted responsible authorities to take action and introduce deterrent regulations. The upcoming World Cup, scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 19, 2026, will be the first major tournament to implement these new rules, as part of FIFA's ongoing efforts to tackle subtle provocations on the field.
