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FIFA introduced a wacky rule for this year’s World Cup where players could receive red cards if they covered their mouth while speaking; However, one of football’s biggest governing bodies will not follow suit.
FIFA has established a new rule to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory or offensive language on the pitch.
But the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced on Thursday that players would not be sent off the field for the offense during Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches next season.
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Miguel Almiron of Paraguay reacts after receiving a red card for covering his mouth while talking to another player during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match between Turkey and Paraguay in Santa Clara, California on June 19, 2026. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
UEFA, however, said players could receive a yellow card if they “attempt to conceal a communication as an act of unsporting behavior.”
“This is obviously without prejudice to any investigation or disciplinary proceedings which may follow as a result of or in connection with such conduct,” a statement said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for changes after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni tried to cover up verbal abuse towards Real Madrid striker Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match. Football’s rule-making committee, the International Football Association Board, has agreed that players can be penalized with a red card if they cover their mouth when verbally confronting another player.
Piero Hincapie of Ecuador (R) covers his mouth while chatting with Santiago Gimenez of Mexico (L) during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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The rule is not mandatory in the Laws of the Game but gives tournament organizers like FIFA the flexibility to use it at their discretion.
The rule change was unanimously approved by the IFAB, which includes officials from FIFA and all four British football associations, at a special meeting ahead of the FIFA Congress. FIFA’s proposal followed Vinícius, backed by Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé, accusing Prestianni of making a racist insult by lifting his shirt to cover his mouth during the February match.
Paraguayan Miguel Almiron and Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie were the only players to receive a red card for covering their mouth.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic sends off Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, June 30, 2026. (Yuri Cortex/AFP via Getty Images))
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If a player receives a red card from an official, he is ejected from the match and must serve a one-match suspension in the next match. The team is also forced to play the rest of the match with 10 players.
