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.
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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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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at NPR — News.