sports
Red cards for mouth-covering approved before WC
Key takeaways
- Players who cover their mouths when confronting an opponent will be sent off at this summer's World Cup.
- - FIFA plans to combat mouth-covering after Vinícius Jr. incident
- An IFAB statement outlining the law change read: "At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card."
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Players who cover their mouths when confronting an opponent will be sent off at this summer's World Cup.
FIFA proposed toughening the sanctions after Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior said he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who covered his mouth while talking to the Brazilian during a Champions League match in February.
Vinícius was visibly upset following the comment and immediately informed the referee, with play halted for 10 minutes in line with UEFA regulations.
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