UEFA have confirmed they will not follow FIFA in enforcing automatic red cards for players caught covering their mouth while speaking to an opponent during games. The decision comes after two players were sent off at the 2026 World Cup for the same offence.
FIFA's New Rule and Its Impact
FIFA introduced several new rules ahead of the 2026 World Cup, including laws around trying to conceal speech. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth while speaking. Arsenal's Piero Hincapie then received a red card in Ecuador's Round of 32 defeat to Mexico for the same action.
The issue gained prominence in February when Vinicius Jr alleged that Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni racially abused him. Prestianni used his shirt to cover his mouth during an exchange on the pitch. Following a UEFA investigation, Prestianni was found guilty of homophobic conduct and received a six-match ban, three of which were suspended.
UEFA's Stance
FIFA president Gianni Infantino introduced the rule as a "deterrent" at the World Cup. However, UEFA will not adopt it for their competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. Instead, UEFA stated that match officials will act on a case-by-case basis, considering whether a yellow card is warranted if there is "an attempt to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour," rather than issuing a straight red card.
VAR and Corner Decisions
While UEFA will not follow FIFA's lead on red cards for covering mouths, they will implement VAR to verify corner decisions. To date, 22 incorrect corners have been overturned at the World Cup. UEFA will enforce the same powers in next year's European competitions to avoid incorrect calls.
