Uefa has decided not to follow Fifa's lead in introducing automatic red cards for players who cover their mouths when confronting an opponent or leave the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision. The new regulations, approved by football's law-making body, the International Football Association Board (Ifab), after prompting from Fifa, will take effect on 1 June and be applied at the World Cup. However, Uefa's decision means these rules will not apply in the men's and women's Champions Leagues or its other club competitions.
Background to the Rule Changes
Fifa was responding to two major controversies this year that it is determined to avoid recurring at the World Cup. One of these incidents took place during a Champions League game. Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him while covering his mouth with his shirt during a Champions League game in February. Prestianni was given a six-game ban by Uefa, with three of those matches suspended for a two-year period, after being found guilty of homophobic conduct.
Africa Cup of Nations Incident
In January, the final of the Africa Cup of Nations was marred by Senegal players leaving the pitch for 15 minutes in protest at Morocco being awarded a late penalty. Morocco's Brahim Díaz missed from the spot and Senegal won in extra time, but the Confederation of African Football's appeals committee declared Morocco 3-0 winners in March, a decision Senegal have appealed against to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Uefa's Stance
Ifab has not mandated that the rule changes be enforced in all competitions. Uefa's executive committee will meet for the final time this season in Istanbul on Wednesday, and it is understood no regulation changes are on the agenda. Uefa's club competitions committee will sign off next season's regulations for its men's and women's tournaments in Leipzig next week, with no significant changes expected.
Uefa sources said that its referees committee would monitor the impact of the new regulations during the World Cup with a view to discussing potential changes during next season.
Domestic Leagues' Discretion
Domestic leagues have discretion over whether to introduce the regulations. The Premier League will confirm its plans for next season after the clubs' AGM next month. Given only Fifa has committed to introducing the rules at this stage, it is unlikely they will be adopted.
