VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) – The International Football Association Board has approved new rules that penalize players with a red card if they cover their mouths when verbally confronting another player.
The regulations were unanimously approved by IFAB at a meeting held in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Tuesday. This measure will also be implemented at this summer’s World Cup, which begins on June 11th.
FIFA proposed the rule after Real Madrid coach Vinicius Junior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani of racially insulting him while covering his mouth during a Champions League match in February.
last week, UEFA suspends Prestiani for 6 games Verbal abuse was inherently homophobic. If Prestianni is selected for Argentina’s World Cup squad, he may have to miss the defending champions’ first two games this summer, but his suspension can be appealed.
“At the discretion of the tournament organizer, a player who covers his mouth during a confrontation with an opponent may be given a red card,” IFAB said in a statement.
The organization that sets the rules for international soccer has announced that players who leave the field in protest of a referee’s decision may be sanctioned with a red card. This rule also applies to team officials who ask players to leave the field.
IFAB said the proposed amendments would be communicated to all 48 teams participating in the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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