UEFA has officially decided against implementing an automatic red card penalty for players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents. This decision means the governing body will not adopt the optional rule approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which has seen use in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The debate gained momentum after Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth during a match against Real Madrid. While he was later suspended for homophobic conduct, the incident sparked discussions about policing such gestures. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had advocated for the rule as a deterrent against abusive language, leading to dismissals like those of Miguel Almiron and Piero Hincapie in World Cup play.
Instead of mandatory ejections, UEFA officials will evaluate each situation individually. Referees may issue a yellow card if they believe the action constitutes unsporting behavior, though this remains distinct from automatic dismissal. Furthermore, UEFA reserves the right to initiate disciplinary investigations following any such incidents.
Critics of the rule have raised concerns about the potential for false accusations and the risk that players might try to goad referees into punishing opponents unfairly. Despite this rejection, UEFA has opted to adopt other IFAB changes, such as allowing VAR to review disputed corner kicks. Conversely, they have also declined to implement the rule that allows for red cards when players exit the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision.
