Players who cover their mouths during confrontations or leave the pitch in protest could face red cards at this summer’s World Cup under new FIFA-approved rules.
Players at this summer’s World Cup could be sent off if they cover their mouths while speaking during confrontations, following new law amendments approved by the International Football Association Board in Vancouver. FIFA confirmed the rule will be used at the tournament as part of efforts to tackle abusive conduct.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the measure, saying: “If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously.” He added: “If you do not have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth when you say something.”
Another approved rule allows red cards for players who leave the pitch in protest at refereeing decisions. The move follows scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations Final when Senegal briefly walked off before later being stripped of the title and handed a 3-0 loss to Morocco.