World Cup 2026: IFAB approves RED CARD sanction for players covering mouths during confrontations

International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a new disciplinary rule that could see players sent off for covering their mouths during on-field confrontations, in a move designed to curb abusive and discriminatory language in football.

The decision was reached unanimously during a special meeting in Vancouver following consultations spearheaded by FIFA and other major stakeholders in the game. Under the new measure, competition organisers will have the authority to introduce sanctions — including red cards — for players who deliberately cover their mouths while speaking during heated exchanges.

Football’s lawmakers believe the gesture has increasingly been used to hide inappropriate comments from cameras, officials, and lip-readers, making it more difficult to identify abusive or discriminatory remarks made during matches.

By introducing the amendment, governing bodies hope to improve transparency on the pitch and hold players more accountable for their conduct in confrontational moments.

The rule change follows discussions held at IFAB’s Annual General Meeting in February, where concerns were raised over the growing trend of players concealing their speech during tense incidents.

If adopted by individual competitions, referees will be empowered to punish offenders based on the seriousness of each case, while tournament organisers will decide how and when the regulation is enforced.

The new measure is expected to be rolled out ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all 48 participating nations due to receive official guidance in the coming weeks. The amendment marks a major step in football’s ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline and stamp out misconduct on the field.