The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced Thursday that it will not implement FIFA's controversial rule allowing red cards for players covering their mouths while speaking on the field. The decision means players in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League will not face game suspensions for this infraction next season.
UEFA stated that players could still receive a yellow card if they are deemed to be "attempting to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour." The organization also noted that any disciplinary action following such behavior would be handled separately.
The FIFA rule was established to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language. It was inspired by an incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who allegedly tried to conceal verbal insults toward Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match in February. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which includes FIFA and representatives from the four British soccer federations, unanimously approved the measure. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had advocated for the change.
While not a mandatory part of the Laws of the Game, the rule allows tournament organizers like FIFA to apply it at their discretion. The proposal followed accusations that Prestianni made a racially charged insult while using his jersey to cover his mouth during the game.
Paraguay's Miguel Almiron and Ecuador's Piero Hincapie are the only players known to have received red cards for covering their mouths under this rule. A red card results in immediate ejection from the match and a one-game suspension for the player, forcing their team to play shorthanded for the remainder of the game.
Former USA World Cup player John Harkes has also called for FIFA to reconsider its red card rules, citing Folarin Balogun's suspension as an example of the rule's potential impact.