Players will get red cards for covering their mouths in disputes, FIFA says ahead of World Cup
FIFA will issue red cards to players who cover their mouths during disputes, following a controversial incident involving Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and Benefica's Gianluca Prestianni in a UEFA Champions League game. The new rule was unanimously agreed upon by the International Football Association Board during a special meeting in Canada.
The International Football Association Board has introduced a new rule ahead of the FIFA World Cup, where players will be given a red card for covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents. This decision follows a contentious incident in a UEFA Champions League game between Real Madrid and Benefica in February, involving Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni was accused of making a racial slur against Vinícius Júnior, which he denied, claiming he used an anti-gay slur instead. The incident sparked international outrage and led to Prestianni being suspended for six games for homophobic discrimination. FIFA President Gianni Infantino supported the rule change, stating that covering one's mouth during an argument suggests a player has said something inappropriate. The board also decided to issue red cards to players who leave the field due to a dispute with a referee's ruling.
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