IFAB approves Prestianni rule, penalties already apply in the Cup ⚠️
IFAB approves Prestianni rule, penalties already apply in the Cup ⚠️ The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved, during a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada, two new rules proposed by FIFA that will already be in effect at this year’s World Cup. The measures are intended to punish with a straight red card players who cover their mouths to talk to opponents during confrontations and teams that walk off the pitch. 'Prestianni rule' The rule against covering the mouth gained momentum and urgency after the serious incident in February in the Champions League involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid.
On that occasion, the Argentine lifted his shirt to cover his face while speaking to the Brazilian, who accused Prestianni of calling him a "monkey. " Kylian Mbappé even confirmed that he heard the racist abuse directed at Vini in an interview after the match. After a UEFA investigation, Prestianni was found guilty of homophobic conduct and suspended for six matches.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the new sanction as a measure with a strong deterrent effect. "If you have nothing to hide, you don’t cover your mouth when you say something. It’s as simple as that," Infantino said.
"If a player covers his mouth and says something that has a racist consequence, he obviously needs to be sent off. There must be a presumption that he said something he shouldn’t have," he added. Despite the strict guideline, the issuing of a red card will remain entirely at the referee’s discretion, and the official must assess the circumstances at the time before making a decision.
Severe punishment for leaving the field The second approved change targets extreme protests against refereeing decisions. Players who leave the pitch in protest against a referee’s decision will be subject to a red card. The rule also extends to any member of the coaching staff who incites players to abandon the match.