FIFA plans to introduce red cards for players who cover their mouths during on-pitch confrontations with opponents at the World Cup. Players leaving the field in protest against referee decisions will face instant dismissal. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to unveil these measures at the organization’s congress in Vancouver on Thursday, with implementation targeted for the World Cup.
New Disciplinary Rules for World Cup Matches
These rules will apply exclusively to the World Cup initially, as broader adoption requires approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for inclusion in the Laws of the Game. Competition organizers express concerns over potential unintended effects, such as players exiting the pitch due to racial abuse.
The focus on mouth-covering stems from a February Champions League incident where Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse. Prestianni had his shirt over his mouth at the time. UEFA subsequently issued a six-match ban to Prestianni for homophobic comments, which he admitted, while denying the racial abuse allegation.
Crackdown on Pitch Protests
Infantino pushes for stricter rules following the Africa Cup of Nations final controversy. Senegal players walked off the pitch for several minutes after a disputed penalty awarded to hosts Morocco, who ultimately won. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeal board later overturned the January result, awarding the trophy to Morocco. Senegal is contesting this at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
This reversal marks an unprecedented decision in major football tournaments. Some experts argue that the referee should have abandoned the match for a 3-0 forfeit to Morocco rather than restarting and playing extra time, only for a committee to intervene months later.
In March, IFAB committed to consultations on measures addressing players or team officials unilaterally leaving the field in protest against referee calls.
Boosted Financial Support for Teams
Infantino also plans to announce additional World Cup prize money and preparation funding, potentially up to £2 million per team, for the 48 participating nations. This addresses cost concerns raised by several European countries regarding the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
