FIFA has introduced a number of new rules ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but UEFA has decided not to adopt a law that saw players sent off for covering their mouths while speaking.
Two players are sent off for covering their mouths while talking to opponents at the World Cup
UEFA has confirmed that if a player is caught covering their mouth while talking to an opponent during a match, they will no longer be automatically handed a red card, following in the footsteps of FIFA.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has introduced a number of new rules, including laws against concealing speech, with Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron becoming the first player to be sent off for his actions. Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie was also shown a red card for similar behavior in the Round of 32 defeat to Ecuador against Mexico.
The issue of players covering their mouths while speaking became a hot topic in February when Vinicius Junior claimed that he had been racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni and claimed that the Benfica midfielder covered his mouth with his shirt during an on-pitch interaction between the two players.
Prestiani was found guilty of homophobic behavior following a UEFA investigation and subsequently suspended for six games, three of which were suspended.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino introduced the rule, which is being introduced at the World Cup, as a “deterrent”.
However, it has become clear that UEFA will not comply with this. This means players participating in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League will not be automatically sent off for covering their mouths during a confrontation with an opponent.
Instead, UEFA said match officials would consider on a case-by-case basis whether a yellow card, rather than a straight red card, would be justified if there was an “attempt to conceal communications as unsporting conduct”.
Arsenal’s Piero Hincapi was shown a red card for covering his mouth while speaking during a meeting between Ecuador and Mexico (Image: Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
UEFA will not follow the same rules as FIFA in issuing red cards for players who cover their mouths, but will use VAR to verify corner kick decisions.
So far in the World Cup, 22 wrong corners have been capsized. The same powers will be applied at next year’s European Games to avoid misjudgments.
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