VANCOUVER, Canada — The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved two new red-card rules in response to recent controversies in international football. These measures are designed to address instances of racism and protest behavior on the pitch.
The first rule penalizes players with a red card if they cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents. This change is aimed at preventing the concealment of discriminatory or offensive language.
The second rule sanctions players who leave the field in protest of a referee’s decision, as well as team officials who encourage such actions. This follows the incident in the Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal’s team walked off the field in protest.
The amendments were agreed upon during a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada, and are set to be implemented at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The rules will be communicated to all 48 teams participating in the tournament, which begins on June 11, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These changes come in the wake of incidents involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Senegal’s players, highlighting FIFA’s commitment to addressing misconduct and fostering a more respectful environment in the sport.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
