World Cup players were warned before the tournament about a new rule that would result in an immediate red card for anyone covering their mouth when verbally confronting another player.Officials are actively enforcing that rule change.The latest incident came on Tuesday night when Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was sent off in second-half stoppage time of his team’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in the round of 32. The red card didn’t impact the outcome of the match, which ended moments later.Hincapié’s red card came after an exchange with Mexico forward Santi Giménez.
Why did FIFA establish the new rule?FIFA established the new rule to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory or offensive language while on the field.Nicknamed the “Prestianni Law,” rules for red cards to players at the World Cup were added because of a controversy in international soccer this year.FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for changes after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni tried to hide verbal insults toward Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League match. Soccer’s rule-making panel, the International Football Association Board, agreed that players can be penalized with a red card if they cover their mouths when verbally confronting another player.
