FIFA Council approves expulsion of those who cover mouths during altercations

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved new disciplinary amendments that could grant referees the authority to issue red cards in certain controversial situations during matches. This decision was made at a meeting held in Vancouver in preparation for the implementation of these rules during the 2026 World Cup. The amendments include the possibility of sending off a player who deliberately covers their mouth during arguments or confrontations with opponents, if the organizing body deems the action to be unsportsmanlike or containing veiled insults. This move follows a series of incidents involving accusations of discrimination in European stadiums. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stressed the need to deal firmly with such behavior, particularly after the controversy surrounding the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica, when Argentine player Gianluca Brestiani was accused of verbally abusing Brazilian Vinicius Junior during the game. The new regulations also include stricter penalties for any player who leaves the field in protest against refereeing decisions. The referee can now send them off immediately if the action is deemed an attempt to influence or disrupt the match. The penalties also extend to administrators or members of the coaching staff who encourage players to leave the field. This decision came after the chaos that accompanied the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, when Senegal's players left the field in protest over a penalty kick before returning to complete the match, an incident that later ended with Morocco being declared the administrative winner.