02.07.2026, 22:32 Uhr
UEFA will not introduce red cards for players who cover their mouth in a confrontation with an opponent at its competitions but offenders could face disciplinary proceedings on such incidents, multiple news reports said on Thursday.
Reports from media including the BBC and The Athletic said that Europe's governing body informed its member federations of this on Thursday.
UEFA said that players should be shown a yellow card for “attempting to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour”.
It added that “this is obviously without prejudice to any disciplinary investigation or proceedings that may follow as a consequence of, or in connection with, such behaviour.”
At the current World Cup, referees are advised to send players off for covering their mouth in a confrontation with an opposing player. It has happened twice, with Paraguay's Miguel Almirón and Piero Hancapie of Ecuador seeing red.
The tough rule was backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantini who wanted a strong deterrent after an incident in a Champions League match between Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madri star Vinícius Júnior in February.
Vinícius Júnior said he was racially abused. Prestianni admitted to a homophobic slur and was banned for six matches.
Source: Dpa-international.com
