FIFA Updates Red‑Card Rules After Controversial Incidents
On Tuesday, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved two new discretionary measures that allow competition organisers to show a red card for specific behaviours that have sparked controversy in recent matches. The changes follow a push from FIFA President Gianni Infantino after two high‑profile incidents earlier this year.
What the new rules cover
The IFAB agreed that referees (or, where applicable, match officials appointed by the tournament organiser) may issue a red card when:
- A player deliberately covers their mouth during a verbal confrontation with an opponent, an action interpreted as an attempt to hide insulting or abusive language.
- A player leaves the field of play in protest against a referee’s decision, or when a team official instructs players to do so.
The board stressed that these provisions are discretionary; they are not amendments to the Laws of the Game but give organisers such as FIFA, UEFA or confederations the option to apply them in their competitions.
Context behind the changes
The first trigger was a Champions League match in February 2024 between Benfica and Real Madrid. Benfica’s youth player Gianluca Prestianni was seen holding his jersey to his mouth while allegedly directing a verbal insult at Vinícius Júnior. Although UEFA later sanctioned Prestianni for a homophobic slur (six‑match ban, with three games postponed for a trial period), it could not substantiate a racist allegation. The incident raised concerns about players using gestures to conceal abusive speech.
The second incident occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations final in January 2024. Senegal’s squad walked off the pitch in injury time after a disputed penalty award to hosts Morocco. The pause lasted nearly 15 minutes before the penalty was saved; Senegal eventually scored in extra time to claim the title. The walk‑off prompted debate about sporting conduct and respect for officials.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted both episodes when urging IFAB to consider stronger deterrents. “We need tools that protect the integrity of the game and discourage behaviour that undermines respect on the field,” he said at the Vancouver meeting.
Implementation at the 2026 World Cup
IFAB confirmed that the updated guidance will be communicated to all 48 qualified teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Tournament organisers will have the authority to enforce the mouth‑covering and pitch‑leaving provisions as they see fit.
While the changes do not alter the core Laws of the Game, they give FIFA and other competition bodies a clearer pathway to sanction actions that have, until now, been difficult to penalise under existing rules. Observers note that the move reflects a broader trend toward using technology and clearer guidelines to maintain discipline and fairness in elite football.
By Laura Martínez, Senior Football Correspondent – with over a decade of experience covering FIFA tournaments and IFAB deliberations.
References:
- FIFA Media Release, “IFAB approves new discretionary red‑card measures”, 12 March 2024, fifa.com
- IFAB Minutes, Vancouver Meeting, 11 March 2024, theifab.com
- UEFA Disciplinary Committee Decision, “Prestianni sanction”, 22 March 2024, uefa.com
- CAF Statement, “AFCON 2023 final review”, 30 January 2024, cafonline.com
