UEFA Rejects FIFA’s Red Card Rule for Covering the Mouth During Arguments

The European football governing body officially confirmed the decision on Thursday. This means UEFA will not implement the FIFA-proposed rule in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

The issue first came into focus in February when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt while arguing with Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match.

The Argentine winger was initially accused of making racist remarks and was provisionally suspended for one match.

However, UEFA’s investigation later concluded that the incident involved homophobic abuse, not racism. Prestianni was handed a six-match suspension, although three of those matches were suspended.

The rule allowing referees to issue a red card for covering the mouth during conversations was introduced at the initiative of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. According to Infantino, the measure would serve as an effective deterrent against abusive or discriminatory comments at the World Cup. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved the rule in April.

The first player to receive a red card under the new rule at the World Cup was Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón, who covered his mouth while speaking during a group-stage match against Turkey.

Later, Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was also sent off for the same offence during a Round of 16 match against Mexico. In both cases, the decisions were made after reviews by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Despite the Prestianni incident occurring in one of UEFA’s flagship competitions, the governing body has decided not to adopt Infantino’s optional rule.

Instead, UEFA said referees should assess each incident individually. If they believe a player is attempting to conceal an unsporting conversation by covering their mouth, they may consider issuing a yellow card rather than a red card.

UEFA also clarified that even if only a yellow card is shown on the field, the incident can still be subject to a separate disciplinary investigation after the match.

The rule has been controversial since its introduction. Critics argue that it encourages the assumption of guilt before a player is proven guilty.

There are also concerns that opponents could attempt to have players sent off even when no offensive or discriminatory remarks were actually made.

The rule has already caused confusion. During the World Cup group stage, England’s Jude Bellingham covered his mouth while speaking with Ghana’s Jordan Ayew, but he was not shown a red card.

Meanwhile, UEFA will adopt another rule that proved successful at the World Cup. From now on, VAR will also be allowed to review incorrect corner-kick decisions. At the World Cup, 22 corner-kick decisions were overturned and changed to goal kicks after VAR reviews.

However, UEFA has also decided not to adopt another optional rule that would have required referees to issue a straight red card to players who walk off the pitch in protest against an official’s decision.