IFAB and FIFA Update Rules: Red Cards for Mouth-Covering and New Law Changes

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a series of significant law amendments designed to curb discriminatory behavior and prevent match disruptions, with several measures set to take effect at this summer’s World Cup.

During a special meeting held in Vancouver, Canada, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, IFAB approved two FIFA-proposed amendments. One of the most striking changes allows referees to issue a straight red card to players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents or other players on the pitch.

Crackdown on Discriminatory Behavior

The decision to penalize players for covering their mouths is part of a broader initiative to combat inappropriate and discriminatory conduct. The move follows a high-profile incident in February during a Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica.

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior reported being racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. According to reports, Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to the Brazilian player. The incident led to a ten-minute halt in play in accordance with UEFA regulations, and Prestianni was subsequently handed a six-game ban, three of which were suspended, for anti-gay conduct directed at Vinícius Júnior.

By prohibiting the act of covering the mouth during confrontations, IFAB aims to eliminate a tactic used by players to conceal verbal abuse from officials and microphones.

Preventing Walk-Off Protests

In addition to the conduct rules, IFAB has introduced a disciplinary measure to prevent players from abandoning the field of play in protest of officiating decisions. Referees are now permitted to issue straight red cards to players who leave the pitch by their own decision during a match.

This rule change is a direct response to the chaos surrounding the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Morocco and Senegal. In that match, Senegal players walked off the field after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco following a VAR review.

The new regulation is expected to strengthen Morocco’s legal position in their ongoing case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the AFCON 2025 title. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board had previously ruled in favor of the hosts, but the IFAB’s formalization of the walk-off penalty provides further institutional backing against such protests.

Proposed Homegrown Player Mandates

Beyond the immediate disciplinary changes, FIFA is considering a radical shift in squad requirements that would affect clubs globally, including those in South Africa’s Betway Premiership.

The proposal would require club teams at all levels to field at least one homegrown player from their Under-20 or Under-21 structures in a match at all times. This mandate would ensure guaranteed playing time for young talent and force clubs to integrate youth academy products into their starting lineups.

The proposal has entered a consultation phase after receiving unanimous approval from FIFA’s council. While the English Premier League already requires clubs to have at least eight homegrown players in a 25-man squad, the proposed FIFA rule would be more stringent by requiring a homegrown youth player to be physically present on the pitch throughout the duration of a game.