UEFA Rules Out Automatic Red Cards for Mouth‑Covering Incidents

UEFA has announced that it will not introduce automatic red cards for players who cover their mouths while speaking to opponents in its club competitions, even though the Laws of the Game now permit organisers to do so.

As a result, the sanction will not be applied in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League or Conference League starting next season.

Background of the Mouth‑Covering Rule

The provision allowing referees to send off a player for covering the mouth during a confrontation was added at the urging of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who hoped it would act as a deterrent at the World Cup.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved the amendment in April, making it optional for each competition organiser to adopt.

First Applications at the World Cup

During the tournament, Paraguay’s Miguel Almíron became the first player to be dismissed under the new rule in his country’s group match against Turkey.

Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was also shown a red card after a VAR review in his side’s round‑of‑16 loss to co‑hosts Mexico.

UEFA’s Reasoning and Alternative Approach

Despite the controversy surrounding a separate disciplinary case involving Argentine player Prestianni — initially suspected of racist abuse but later sanctioned for homophobic conduct — UEFA has decided against adopting the automatic dismissal rule for mouth‑covering.

Instead, the governing body advises referees to judge each incident on its merits and issue a yellow card only if covering the mouth is deemed an attempt to conceal communication as unsporting behaviour.

UEFA stressed that this approach does not prevent any subsequent disciplinary investigation or proceedings related to the conduct.

Criticism and Uncertainties

The rule has drawn criticism from players, coaches and fans who argue it presumes guilt before innocence and could be manipulated to get opponents sent off even when no abusive language is used.

Uncertainty surfaced at the World Cup when England midfielder Jude Bellingham covered his mouth while speaking to Ghana’s Jordan Ayew but was not shown a red card, highlighting the inconsistent application.

Other Optional Law Changes Adopted by UEFA

While rejecting the automatic red‑card measure, UEFA has opted to implement another optional IFAB change that permits VAR to review incorrectly awarded corner kicks.

So far, 22 corners have been overturned and changed to goal kicks during the World Cup.