Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFifa has introduced a new rule for the World Cup, mandating an immediate red card for players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations. Dubbed the 'Prestianni Law', the rule aims to prevent players from concealing abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language, following a controversy involving Gianluca Prestianni. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) unanimously approved this guideline, granting tournament organisers discretion to implement it. Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was sent off under this new rule during his team's 2-0 loss to Mexico, underscoring its strict enforcement. Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón was the first player to be punished under the regulation, receiving a red card in a group match against Turkey. In fullMiguel Almiron becomes first player sent off for covering mouth at World CupMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Wolrd Cup players can be sent off for covering their mouths – here’s why
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFifa has introduced a new rule for the World Cup, mandating an immediate red card for players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations. Dubbed the 'Prestianni Law', the rule aims to prevent players from concealing abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language, following a controversy involving Gianluca Prestianni. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) unanimously approved this guideline, granting tournament organisers discretion to implement it. Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was sent off under this new rule during his team's 2-0 loss to Mexico, underscoring its strict enforcement. Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón was the first player to be punished under the regulation, receiving a red card in a group match against Turkey. In fullMiguel Almiron becomes first player sent off for covering mouth at World CupMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
