VANCOUVER.- Footballers who cover their mouths in the World Cup 2026 during confrontations with rivals they can see the red card as part of a new initiative aimed at combating racism, reported this Tuesday the FIFA.
The governing body of world football confirmed in a statement that the rule will be one of two changes to the football rules that will be introduced in the North American World Cupwhich begins on June 11 and ends on July 19.
The new regulations come after the controversy unleashed in February, when the Argentine winger of the Benfica, Gianluca Prestianniwas accused of racially insulting the Brazilian star of the real Madrid, Vinicius Jr.during a match of the European Champions League.
Prestianni was accused of repeatedly calling Vinicius a “monkey” while covering his mouth.
The Argentine international denied having racially insulted the Canarinha player, but was subsequently suspended for six games for “homophobic conduct.”
Leaving a match also activates the red
In a separate rule change that will apply to the World Cup, FIFA said red cards will also be introduced for players who leave the field of play in protest of a refereeing decision.
“This new rule will also apply to any member of the coaching staff who incites players to leave the field of play,” the organization added in the note.
FIFA noted that any team that causes the definitive suspension of a match will lose the match due to non-appearance.
The measure comes after the scandal unleashed in the final of the African Cup of Nations of this year.
So, the players of Senegalthe selector Pape Thiaw and his coaching staff left the field in Rabat after a penalty was awarded in favor of Morocco in added time, which the striker finally failed Brahim Diaz.
Senegal ended up winning the final 1-0 in extra time, but were stripped of the title by the African Football Confederation (CAF) in a bombshell decision issued last month.
The rule changes were announced as FIFA delegates met in Vancouver ahead of the body’s Congress on Thursday.
This is the last meeting of football’s governing body prior to the start of the World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico and USA.
