UEFA Decides Against Using Red Cards for Players Who Cover Their Mouths

UEFA has opted not to take the newly proposed rule that would see a player receive a red card for covering their mouth during an on-pitch confrontation.

The decision means the rule will not be applied in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.

The debate came to a head in February when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni lifted his shirt at an altercation with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match. The incident prompted accusations of racist abuse on social media; however, a subsequent UEFA investigation found the conduct was homophobic in nature. Prestianni was subsequently banned for six matches, three of which were suspended.

The proposed rule, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a deterrent for the World Cup, was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) earlier in the year.

At the World Cup, two players were sent off for covering their mouths – Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón in their group game against Turkey, and Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié in Ecuador’s knockout exit to co-hosts Mexico – after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews.

Despite these incidents occurring in the sport’s flagship competition, UEFA rejected the inclusion of this rule, stating that referees should evaluate each situation on its own merits and consider a yellow card where there is an attempt to conceal communication as unsporting conduct.

UEFA added that the discretion remains in place for any subsequent disciplinary investigations that may arise from such behaviour.

Critics argue that the rule’s presumption of guilt could lead to unfair red cards for players who have not said anything offensive, citing, for example, the case of England star Jude Bellingham who was not sent off after covering his mouth during an exchange with Ghana’s Jordan Ayew in a group stage match.

UEFA will continue to employ VAR to correct erroneous corner decisions, having already overturned 22 corners in favour of a goal-kick in this World Cup.

However, the organisation clarified that it will not issue red cards for players who exit the field in protest of a referee’s decision – a separate rule matter that remains at the discretion of each competition organiser.

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