IFAB Approves Tough New Red Card Rules Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced stricter disciplinary measures for player misconduct, approving new rules that could see The post IFAB Approves Tough New Red Card Rules Ahead of 2026 World Cup first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
Black News 
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced stricter disciplinary measures for player misconduct, approving new rules that could see footballers sent off for covering their mouths during heated confrontations or walking off the pitch to protest refereeing decisions.
The changes were unanimously endorsed during a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada, and are set to take effect at this year’s FIFA World Cup.
According to IFAB, the decisions followed extensive consultations led by FIFA with football stakeholders worldwide.
Under the updated guidelines, players who cover their mouths while arguing with opponents during confrontations may now face a red card, depending on the discretion of competition organisers.
The move follows growing concerns over hidden verbal abuse, including discriminatory remarks made during matches.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier supported stronger sanctions, saying players who conceal their mouths during disputes should be dismissed.
The debate intensified after a UEFA Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid, where Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was accused of directing discriminatory remarks at Vinicius Jr after the Brazilian scored the winning goal in Lisbon.
During the altercation, Prestianni reportedly covered his mouth with his shirt, prompting the referee to activate UEFA’s anti-discrimination protocol and temporarily suspend the match.
Although the Argentine denied the accusations, UEFA later imposed a six-match suspension for conduct deemed homophobic.
IFAB has also moved to address players abandoning matches in protest, following chaotic scenes during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In that controversial encounter, Senegal players walked off the field after a contentious penalty was awarded to hosts Morocco.
Senegal eventually returned and scored in extra time to win 1-0, but the result was later overturned after an appeal.
The Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board later awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory and stripped Senegal of the title.
Under the new rule, referees may issue red cards to any player who leaves the field to protest a decision.
Team officials who encourage such actions can also be punished.
IFAB further stated that any team responsible for causing a match to be abandoned will normally forfeit the game.
The latest reforms underline FIFA and IFAB’s determination to clamp down on disorder, discrimination, and unsporting behaviour as football prepares for an expanded 48-team World Cup.
The post IFAB Approves Tough New Red Card Rules Ahead of 2026 World Cup first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
