The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved new rules that will result in red cards for players covering their mouths during verbal confrontations with opponents. Additionally, players who leave the field of play in protest of a referee's decision can also face a red card.
These measures were unanimously approved by IFAB at a special meeting in Vancouver and will be implemented for the upcoming World Cup. The decision follows extensive consultations with key stakeholders.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously advocated for sending off players who cover their mouths while speaking to opponents, citing concerns about potential discriminatory language. An incident in a Champions League game involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. highlighted these concerns.
IFAB also addressed the issue of players protesting referee decisions by leaving the pitch, as seen in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Referees may now issue red cards for such actions, and teams causing a match abandonment will, in principle, forfeit the game. This rule also applies to team officials who incite players to leave the field.