Red cards can be given to players who cover their mouths : NPR

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, February 17, 2026.

Pedro Rocha/AP

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Pedro Rocha/AP

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The International Football Association Board has approved a new rule that would penalize with a red card players who cover their mouths when verbally confronting another player.

The rule was unanimously approved by the IFAB at a meeting Tuesday in Vancouver, British Columbia. The measure will be in effect during this summer’s World Cup, starting June 11.

FIFA proposed the rule after Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of uttering a racial slur while covering his mouth during a Champions League match in February.

Last week, UEFA handed Prestianni a six-match ban for verbal abuse, which it said was homophobic in nature. If Prestianni is selected in Argentina’s World Cup squad, he could have to miss the reigning champions’ first two matches this summer, although the ban is subject to appeal.

“At the discretion of the competition organizer, any player covering his mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card,” announced the IFAB.

The organization, which sets the rules of international football, also announced that any player leaving the field to protest a referee’s decision could be punished with a red card. The rule also applies to team officials who urge players to leave the field.

The IFAB said the amendments will be communicated to the 48 teams participating in the World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.