FIFA will introduce two major disciplinary rule changes at the 2026 World Cup. Players now risk being sent off for covering their mouths during heated on-field confrontations.
The amendments were confirmed following a special meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Vancouver.
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Football lawmakers have unanimously approved proposals aimed at combating discrimination and misconduct.
Under the new rules, players who cover their mouths during an argument with an opponent may be given a red card at the discretion of match organizers.
The measure comes after the controversial Champions League clash between Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and Benfica player Gianluca Prestani earlier this year.
Vinicius accused Prestani of racially abusing him during a testy exchange in February.
Prestani covered his mouth with his shirt during the confrontation and was later banned by UEFA for six games after admitting to using a homophobic slur.
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However, he denied the accusations of racial discrimination.
“At the discretion of the match organizers, any player who covers his mouth in a confrontational situation may be punished with a red card,” the IF said in a statement.
Another major change is for players or officials who abandon the field to protest a referee’s decision.
The rule was instituted after a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final in January, when Morocco were awarded a penalty in stoppage time and Senegal’s players briefly left the field.
FIFA confirmed that referees will now have the power to sack players who leave the pitch in protest, while team officials who encourage such behavior may also be expelled.
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“In principle, the team that caused the match to be abandoned will forfeit the match,” the IF added.
In other news, FIFA will also make major changes to its yellow card ban rules ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Bookings may be canceled twice during a match to keep more star players on the field for decisive games.
The measures will come into effect next summer at the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA is expected to brief participating countries on the situation in the coming weeks.
