Football’s rule-making body has approved stricter disciplinary measures aimed at reducing abusive conduct on the pitch, as global authorities prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At a meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) unanimously backed a regulation allowing referees to sanction players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents. The decision marks a significant step in efforts to improve transparency and accountability in football.
Under the new guidance, competition organisers will have the authority to impose severe penalties in such situations. In an official statement, IFAB said:
“At the discretion of the competition organizer, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.”
The measure is widely viewed as part of a broader crackdown on unsporting behaviour, particularly verbal abuse that can be concealed from officials and broadcast cameras. By discouraging players from hiding their speech, the rule aims to make it easier for referees to assess incidents and take appropriate action.
The development follows a recent high-profile case in European football that brought renewed attention to the issue. During a UEFA Champions League match in February between Real Madrid and Benfica, Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior alleged that he was verbally abused by Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni.
European football’s governing body later confirmed that Prestianni had been handed a six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct. While he denied accusations of racism, he acknowledged using language that was considered offensive.
The incident intensified calls for stricter enforcement of rules addressing on-field conduct, particularly in situations where players attempt to obscure their words. Critics have argued that covering the mouth makes it difficult for officials and video technology to determine what was said, potentially allowing misconduct to go unpunished.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, authorities are keen to ensure that such behaviour is addressed more effectively. Referees are expected to apply the updated guidance rigorously, signalling a shift towards a more stringent interpretation of the laws of the game.
The governing bodies say the changes are designed not only to punish wrongdoing but also to deter it. By introducing the possibility of red-card sanctions, they hope to send a clear message that abusive or unsporting conduct will not be tolerated at any level of the sport.
The new regulation is expected to play a key role in maintaining discipline and safeguarding the integrity of matches at the highest level, as football prepares for its next global showcase.
