Red cards can be given to players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents
The International Football Association Board has approved a new rule that allows referees to issue red cards to players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents. This decision comes in light of a recent incident involving accusations of verbal abuse during a Champions League match. The rule will be implemented during the upcoming World Cup in June 2026.
- ▪The new rule was unanimously approved by the International Football Association Board in Vancouver.
- ▪Players covering their mouths during confrontations may receive a red card at the discretion of the competition organizer.
- ▪The rule also applies to team officials who encourage players to leave the field in protest of a referee's decision.
6 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 11 hours. Coverage spans 3 points on the political spectrum — 1 lean left, 3 centre, 1 right.
- ▪ Red card for players covering their mouths in World Cup matches — Al Jazeera English
- ▪ New ‘Vinicius Law’ will see players sent off at World Cup if they cover their mouths during confrontations — Yahoo Sports
- ▪ World Cup players who cover their mouths during confrontations could get red cards — OutKick
- ▪ Players covering their mouths during verbal confrontations at World Cup will receive red cards — The Globe and Mail
- ▪ Red cards for mouth-covering approved before WC — ESPN — Top
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| Original publisher | NPR — News |
| Canonical URL | https://www.npr.org/2026/04/29/g-s1-119149/red-cards-cover-mouths |
| Publication time | Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:14:59 -0400 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-04-29T06:44:50.053Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Sports Red cards can be given to players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents April 29, 20262:14 AM ET By The Associated Press Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni fights for the ball against Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a Champions League playoff soccer match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Pedro Rocha/AP hide caption toggle caption Pedro Rocha/AP VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The International Football Association Board approved a new rule that would penalize players with a red card if they cover their mouths when verbally confronting another player. 2026 World Cup: North America FIFA hikes World Cup prices, again.
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