World Cup players who cover their mouths during confrontations could get red cards
FIFA has introduced a new rule for the 2026 World Cup allowing referees to issue red cards to players who cover their mouths during confrontations, citing concerns about hiding discriminatory language. The decision gives officials discretion based on context and follows an incident involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Critics argue the rule risks unfairly presuming guilt based on body language. The policy aims to combat racism and homophobia but has raised concerns about overreach.
- ▪FIFA referees can now give red cards to players who cover their mouths during confrontations, depending on the circumstances.
- ▪The rule change follows an incident where Gianluca Prestianni was accused of making discriminatory remarks while covering his mouth during a Champions League match.
- ▪FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated there should be a presumption of wrongdoing if a player covers their mouth while speaking to an opponent.
- ▪Prestianni was later banned for six matches after admitting to making homophobic comments during the incident.
- ▪The new policy has sparked debate over whether it could lead to unfair assumptions about player behavior.
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OutKick World Cup players who cover their mouths during confrontations could get red cards Officials will have discretion to decide whether to issue the card based on the circumstances By Matt Reigle OutKick Published April 28, 2026 7:19pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video NCAA Should NOT Suspend Brendan Sorsby For Gambling | Don't @ Me w/ Dan Dakich Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has stepped away from football to enter a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction. Dakich explains why the NCAA should not suspend Sorsby. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just weeks away, and as I do every four years or so, I'm jonesing for some World Cup soccer.
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