Mouth-Covering, Walk-Offs Now Mean Automatic Red Cards At 2026 FIFA World Cup

Last Updated:April 29, 2026, 09:30 IST

IFAB approves FIFA's new rules which trigger red cards for players covering their mouths in disputes and someone walk offs the pitch in protest.

First came the yellow-card ‘amnesty’. But now, FIFA sees red.

At a special meeting in Vancouver, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved two new law amendments proposed by FIFA that could significantly impact player behaviour at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What’s Changed?

Under the new rules, players could be sent off for covering their mouths while speaking to opponents or officials during heated exchanges, a move aimed at increasing transparency and accountability on the pitch.

Additionally, players who leave the field in protest of refereeing decisions may now also face a red card. The rule targets coordinated walk-offs and demonstrations that disrupt the flow of the game.

Both changes are optional competition rules but have already been confirmed for use at the upcoming World Cup.

AFCON Fallout Behind Walk-Off Rule

The walk-off crackdown follows controversy at the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal earlier this year.

Several Senegal players briefly left the pitch in protest after a late penalty decision. Brahim Diaz missed the spot-kick after a long delay, and Senegal went on to win in extra time.

However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later overturned the result and awarded the match to Morocco. Senegal have since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Mouth-Covering Under Scrutiny

The move to penalise players for covering their mouths is tied to concerns over abuse going unheard or unpunished.

The issue gained prominence after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of abuse during a UEFA Champions League match, with the latter reportedly speaking while covering his mouth.

UEFA later banned Prestianni for six matches after he admitted to making homophobic comments.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has since called for stricter measures to curb such incidents and improve accountability.

Whether these measures improve discipline or create fresh controversy will likely become clear once the World Cup gets underway in June.

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