Official! Red Card for Players Who Cover Their Mouths to Insult Other Footballers After Incidents

Different controversies that arose recently in international competitions, such as the Prestianni-Vinicius case, justified regulation.

Background: Prestianni-Vinicius

The incident involving Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni once again brought attention to how discriminatory behavior on the pitch is handled. Prestianni covered his mouth to hurl alleged racist insults at Vinicius, which the Brazilian player reported a few seconds later; the incident went unpunished during the match, although the Argentine player missed the return leg of the playoff at the Bernabéu as a precautionary measure and was subsequently suspended for six games. From now on, situations like this will not go unanswered

New developments in the Laws of the Game

The new development comes from the IFAB, the body that sets the rules of football worldwide. At a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada, this Tuesday, the IFAB unanimously approved FIFA's proposal to address discriminatory and inappropriate conduct. The provisions will take effect starting with this summer's World Cup.

Among the most significant changes is that covering one's mouth when confronting an opponent will be punished with a red card. A red card will also be shown to players who leave the field of play in protest against a referee's decision. The measure also applies to the coaching staff: “At the discretion of the competition organizer, the referee may issue a red card to any player who leaves the field of play in protest against a referee's decision.” This new rule will also apply to members of the coaching staff who encourage players to leave the field of play.

Disciplinary measures tightened

Another key point communicated by FIFA following the IFAB meeting is the sporting consequence when a protest leads to the suspension of a match: “In principle, the team that causes the match to be suspended will be declared the loser.” In other words, in addition to individual penalties, there may be penalties that affect the outcome of the match.

The message is clear and unequivocal: World football is tightening its disciplinary framework so that gestures that may conceal discrimination or undermine the authority of referees do not go unpunished. For players, coaching staff, and clubs, this means adjusting their behavior and recognizing that there are now immediate and severe consequences. What might have been dismissed as an anecdote in the past could come at a high cost starting with the next World Cup