Players covering mouths in confrontations risk red cards at the World Cup, as IFAB approves new rules on abuse, walk-offs, and yellow cards.
FIFA will introduce strict new rules at the upcoming World Cup, including red cards for players who cover their mouths during confrontations. The changes, approved by the International Football Association Board, aim to clamp down on abusive language and improve discipline.
The decision was finalised during a special IFAB meeting in Vancouver. FIFA proposed the amendments following several high-profile incidents this year. Lawmakers unanimously approved the changes, allowing competitions to adopt them immediately. The World Cup will implement the rules in full this summer. Referees will retain discretion when applying sanctions during matches.
The rule gained urgency after an incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior. During a Champions League match, Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to the Real Madrid forward. The situation escalated quickly, as a visibly upset Vinicius informed the referee, who halted play for 10 minutes in line with UEFA regulations following allegations of discriminatory language. UEFA later handed Prestianni a six-match ban, with three suspended. That case pushed FIFA to seek stronger deterrents against hidden verbal abuse.
Under the new law, players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations may be sent off. Officials will interpret such actions as an attempt to conceal inappropriate language. FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly supported the move in earlier discussions. He argued that players should not need to hide their words if nothing improper is said. The rule is designed to protect players and maintain transparency on the pitch.
Despite the strict wording, referees will assess each situation individually. Not every instance of mouth-covering will result in a red card. Context, intent, and behaviour will all influence decisions during matches. Competition organisers also have flexibility in applying the rule. This ensures that officials can manage games without unnecessary disruption. However, the emphasis remains on discouraging misconduct.
Another key change addresses players leaving the pitch in protest. Teams that walk off during a match risk red cards for involved players. Officials who encourage such behaviour may also face punishment. The rule follows chaotic scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal players briefly left the field and returned to the changing rooms after a controversial penalty decision was awarded to Morocco. The match eventually resumed with Brahim Diaz missing the resulting penalty as Senegal went on to win 1-0. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) later stripped Senegal of the title and awarded a 3-0 win to Morocco after review.
FIFA has also adjusted yellow card rules for the expanded tournament. Player cautions will now be cleared after the group stage. A second amnesty will apply after the quarter-finals. This reduces the risk of players missing crucial knockout matches. The change reflects the new 48-team format and additional fixtures. It aims to balance discipline with fairness across the competition.
The Prestianni incident was a turning point in discussions. It highlighted how difficult it is to detect verbal abuse during matches. The AFCON final walk-off further exposed gaps in disciplinary control. Together, these moments prompted swift action from football authorities. FIFA moved quickly to ensure similar situations are handled firmly at the World Cup. The result is a broader push for accountability and respect.
The new rules will be in place when the World Cup kicks off in June. Teams and officials are expected to adapt quickly during pre-tournament preparations. Referees will receive guidance on consistent enforcement across matches. Players will also be briefed on the updated disciplinary framework. The changes mark a significant shift in how behaviour is managed on football’s biggest stage.
