Fifa introduces new rules ahead of World Cup
Fifa is poised to implement significant new regulations just weeks before the World Cup, which will see players facing potential red cards for covering their mouths while speaking to opponents during on-field confrontations, reports BritPanorama.
The International Football Association Board (Ifab) held a special session in Vancouver, Canada, on Tuesday, where the amendment proposed by Fifa was approved. Additionally, referees will now have the authority to dismiss players who leave the pitch in protest, a measure stemming from the recent controversy during the African Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Both changes are designated as optional, allowing individual competitions the choice to implement them, although Fifa has confirmed that the World Cup will adopt the new measures. The mouth-covering rule gained traction following an incident during a Champions League match in February, where Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni obscured his face while addressing Vinicius Jr, which led to accusations of racist abuse.
An investigation by Uefa later determined that Prestianni’s conduct constituted homophobia, resulting in a six-match ban, three games of which were suspended. This incident prompted discussions at Ifab’s annual general meeting, leading to the decision to reconvene prior to Fifa’s Council gathering in Vancouver this week. Referees now possess full discretion to issue red cards based on the context of each situation.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has expressed strong support for the tougher regulations, highlighting their preventive objectives. “If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously,” Infantino stated. He added that there is an inherent assumption of wrongdoing when a player feels the need to cover their mouth during an exchange.
The second new measure arises from chaotic events at the Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegalese players left the pitch due to disputes over a penalty awarded to Morocco. Following this match, Senegal was controversially stripped of their title, with Morocco declared the winners. Under the new provisions, team officials who encourage players to abandon the field could also face repercussions, with the principle that any team causing a match abandonment may forfeit the fixture altogether.
As the World Cup approaches, these legislative changes highlight Fifa’s continued efforts to address player conduct and ensure fair play within the sport. The forthcoming tournament will serve as a pivotal stage to observe these regulations in action, bringing fresh challenges for players and referees alike amidst the global spectacle of football.
