FIFA is set to introduce one of the most unusual rules in World Cup history, and it all stems from a single moment that raised serious concerns about player conduct.
In modern football, players covering their mouths during heated exchanges has become almost second nature. It is often seen as a way to avoid cameras or keep conversations private, especially in high-stakes matches.
But what was once viewed as harmless habit has now turned into a major talking point, particularly when it comes to accountability on the pitch.
And now, FIFA has decided to step in with a strict response ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Photo by Harry Murphy – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
As reported by ESPN FC on X , the governing body is taking a firm stance.
"Players who cover their mouths when confronting an opponent will be sent off at this summer's World Cup," ESPN reported.
"FIFA proposed toughening the sanctions following the incident between Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni in February," they added.
The rule is designed to remove any ambiguity during confrontations. If a player is seen hiding their words during an argument, referees will now have the authority to issue a straight red card.
It is a clear shift toward transparency, especially in situations where verbal abuse is suspected. The decision traces back to a Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Benfica earlier this year.
During the match, Vinicius Jr accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of directing abusive language at him while covering his mouth, making it nearly impossible for officials to verify what was said.
The situation escalated to the point where the referee activated the anti-racism protocol, stopping the game for around 10 minutes.
The aftermath only added to the controversy. While Prestianni was eventually handed a six-match ban, it was officially for homophobic conduct rather than racism, largely because there was not enough clear evidence due to the mouth-covering.
That gap in evidence is exactly what FIFA is trying to eliminate by penalizing the act of covering the mouth itself during confrontations.
The incident also drew strong reactions across football, with teammates backing Vinicius' claims and governing bodies acknowledging the difficulty in enforcing rules without clear visual or audio proof.
Now, with the World Cup approaching, FIFA has turned that controversy into a rule change that could have immediate and dramatic consequences on the pitch.
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