Red cards to be issued at World Cup to players who cover mouths during disputes
FIFA also approved a rule where players who leave the field in protest of a call will be sent off.
A pair of controversial incidents in world soccer this year has led FIFA to update its rules on when red cards can be issued by referees. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), soccer’s rulemakers, approved two proposals that would see red cards issued to players who cover their mouths while confronting an opponent and for any players who leave the field in protest of a referee's call. Both proposals will be implemented beginning with this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, according to FIFA, regarding other tournaments, enforcement is “at the discretion of the competition organizer. ” “The Prestianni rule” During a February Champions League match, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior alleged that Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica directed a racist slur his way . The allegation caused a 10-minute delay in the match as referee François Letexier initiated UEFA's anti-racism protocol.
Gianluca Prestianni of SL Benfica confronts with alleged racist comments directed at Goal Scorer Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid C. F. after goal celebrations during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match.
(Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) Gualter Fatia via Getty Images Kylian Mbappé said he heard Prestianni call Viní Jr. a "monkey" five times. The 20-year-old Prestianni, who covered his mouth when he was speaking, denied the allegations, reportedly saying he used a homophobic slur .