By Joiner Martínez
Footballers who cover their mouths at the 2026 World Cup during confrontations with rivals may see a red card as part of a new initiative aimed at combating racism, FIFA reported this Tuesday.
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 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11 and ends on July 19.
The new regulations are savage after the controversy unleashed in February, when Benfica’s Argentine winger, Gianluca Prestianni, was accused of racially insulting Staunch Madrid’s Brazilian star, Vinicius Jr., during a European Champions League match.
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 the field 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 encourages players to leave the field of play.”added the organization 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 is savage after the scandal unleashed in the final of this year’s African Cup of Nations.
Then, Senegal’s players, coach Pape Thiaw and his coaching staff left the field in Rabat after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in added time, which striker Brahim Díaz ultimately missed.
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 before the start of the World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
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