New Regulations to Address Player Conduct
In a significant move aimed at tackling racism and maintaining order on the pitch, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced a new rule that allows referees to issue red cards to players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents. This decision, prompted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was revealed following a special meeting held in Vancouver, Canada. The rule has emerged in response to recent incidents in professional football, including a notable case involving Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica Lisbon, who allegedly racially abused Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid during a Champions League playoff match. Infantino highlighted the importance of interpreting such actions, stating, "It should be assumed that a player said something they shouldn’t have; otherwise, they wouldn’t have felt the need to cover their mouth." He insisted that this measure is crucial to demonstrating the commitment to combat racism in the sport.
Impact on Future Competitions
The implementation of this rule raises questions about its application in other leagues, such as the Bundesliga or the Champions League, which will ultimately depend on the discretion of the respective organizers. Additionally, IFAB has introduced another regulation in response to events during the Africa Cup final between Morocco and Senegal. Following a controversial late penalty decision, Senegalese players temporarily left the field in protest during the chaotic match held in Rabat, which ultimately resumed only after a lengthy interruption. Senegal emerged victorious after extra time, but later had their title revoked by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). According to the new guidelines, referees now have the authority to issue red cards to any player leaving the pitch in protest against a referee's decision. This rule, set to debut at the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, will apply not only to players but also to officials who incite players to leave the field. Furthermore, any team that causes a match to be abandoned will automatically lose the game.
As reported by mopo.de.
