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World Cup Rule Change: Players Covering Mouths Face Red Card
🇩🇪 Germany /Sports

World Cup Rule Change: Players Covering Mouths Face Red Card

From Die Zeit · (11m ago) German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino supports a new rule allowing red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations.
  • The International Football Association Board (Ifab) approved the change for the upcoming World Cup to prevent discriminatory behavior.
  • The rule's application in other leagues is optional, but it could become mandatory long-term.

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has heeded FIFA President Gianni Infantino's call for stricter measures against unsportsmanlike conduct, introducing a significant rule change for the upcoming World Cup. Players who cover their mouths while speaking to opponents during confrontations now risk a red card. This decision, made at a special meeting in Vancouver, aims to curb discriminatory and potentially offensive language on the field.

Wenn ein Spieler seinen Mund bedeckt und etwas sagt und dies rassistische Folgen hat, dann muss er natürlich vom Platz gestellt werden

— Gianni InfantinoFIFA President Gianni Infantino explains the rationale behind the new rule.

Infantino has been vocal about his stance, questioning the necessity of players covering their mouths. He argues that such actions suggest something untoward is being said, and in cases with racist implications, immediate expulsion is warranted. This new regulation seeks to bring transparency to player interactions and uphold the integrity of the game.

Warum muss ein Spieler seinen Mund zudecken?

— Gianni InfantinoGianni Infantino questions the practice of players covering their mouths.

The debate was reportedly sparked by an incident involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior. While Prestianni denied making racist remarks, he received a suspension from UEFA for a homophobic comment. This rule change, while initially optional for other competitions like the Bundesliga or Champions League, could eventually become a standard in global football.

Das ist etwas, das ich ohnehin nicht verstehe: Warum muss ein Spieler seinen Mund zudecken, wenn er etwas zu einem anderen Spieler sagt?

— Gianni InfantinoGianni Infantino expresses his confusion about players covering their mouths during conversations on the field.

Furthermore, the Ifab has tightened rules regarding player protests. Players leaving the field in protest of a referee's decision, or officials encouraging such actions, will now face a red card. If a team causes a match abandonment through such means, the game will be forfeited to the opponent. These stringent measures underscore a commitment to maintaining order and fair play throughout the World Cup, hosted this year in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Wenn man nichts zu verbergen hat, hält man sich beim Sprechen nicht den Mund zu. So einfach ist das

— Gianni InfantinoGianni Infantino states his belief that covering one's mouth implies something to hide.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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