Players Who Cover Their Mouths Could Get Red Carded, FIFA and IFAB Confirm

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Summary

  • The International Football Association Board has unanimously approved a new regulation punishing players with immediate red cards for covering their mouths during altercations
  • The ruling aims to deter discriminatory abuse by stripping athletes of the ability to hide their words from broadcast cameras and match officials
  • Spearheaded by FIFA leadership, the systemic change establishes a strict presumption of guilt for intentionally concealing speech while engaging opponents

Football is changing, and a new rule is a big part of it. FIFA and the rule-making body IFAB have now given referees the power to immediately show red cards to players who cover their mouths during arguments on the field. Players often do this to hide what they’re saying from cameras, lip readers, and officials. Now, this common reaction will be punished with a sending-off.

The new rules aim to stop harmful trash talk between players. After being approved at a recent important meeting, these changes will significantly alter how players interact during games. Now, if a player tries to muffle their words while arguing with an opponent, they will automatically be considered guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct. By removing the ability to hide what is said, officials are making it clear that players must be open and honest in their communication – abusive language will not be tolerated.

In the past, it’s been very difficult to prove players were verbally abusive on the field because it was hard to read their lips. Often, those accused of using insults weren’t punished without clear visual proof. Now, that’s changing. Instead of trying to determine what was said, the act of covering one’s mouth during a disagreement will automatically result in a penalty. Essentially, trying to hide your words is now the offense itself.

Referees now have the power to immediately send off anyone caught covering their mouth while arguing aggressively. With recent high-profile cases of players verbally abusing others, this strict new rule is meant to discourage that behavior. Essentially, by treating covering your mouth as an admission of wrongdoing, football officials are making players more accountable for what they say on the field, and ensuring all communication is open and visible.

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2026-04-29 11:59