Red card for players covering their mouths in World Cup matches
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved new red card rules allowing referees to send off players who cover their mouths during confrontations or walk off the pitch in protest, ahead of the World Cup in North America. The changes follow incidents involving racist and homophobic remarks, as well as player protests, including Senegal's walk-off during the Africa Cup of Nations final. While not mandatory, the rules give competition organizers like FIFA the option to enforce them during tournaments.
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Sport|FootballRed card for players covering their mouths in World Cup matchesNew red card rule allows referees to send off players who cover their mouths or walk off the pitch in protest against a decision.ListenListen (2 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoPlayers who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents will face a red card as part of an initiative aimed at curbing inappropriate behaviour ahead of the World Cup [Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP]By Reuters and The Associated PressPublished On 29 Apr 202629 Apr 2026Footballers covering their mouths during a confrontation with an opponent or any other player on the pitch will be given a red card under a new rule approved by the…
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