Red cards approved for players covering mouths at World Cup

Field Level Media|published: Tue 28th April, 17:28 2026

Apr 22, 2026; Morristown, New Jersey, USA; An MLS match ball is displayed during an event for the opening of the RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center. The complex has been selected as Brazil's training home for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The International Football Association Board held a special meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday to approve a pair of FIFA-approved amendments to address inappropriate behavior ahead of this summer's World Cup in North America

One new rule permit officials to issue red cards for any players who cover their mouth during a confrontation with an opponent or to any players who leave the field of play in protest of a decision made by a referee.

This change stems from a Champions League match when Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni said racially abusive comments directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior while pulling his jersey up over his mouth to hide what he was saying. Vinicius was visibly emotional after the confrontation, and Prestianni received a six-match ban from UEFA for the incident.

The other new amendment permit officials to issue red cards for any players who leave the field of play in protest of a decision made by a referee. It also applies to any team official who convinces his team's players to leave the field in protest of a call.

IFAB said in its statement that all 48 teams competing in the World Cup will be informed of these amendments in the coming weeks.

The World Cup kicks off June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City.

--Field Level Media

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