UEFA has confirmed that players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents will not automatically receive red cards in its competitions, opting not to adopt the new rule introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
The decision means the regulation will not be used in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.
UEFA opts against IFAB rule
The mouth-covering rule, approved by IFAB in April, gives competition organisers the option of dismissing players who cover their mouths while speaking to opponents during on-field incidents.
The proposal was backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who said it would act as “a deterrent effect” at the FIFA World Cup.
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Despite the rule being available, UEFA has decided not to implement the mouth-covering rule in its competitions.
Instead, the governing body said referees should assess each incident individually and decide whether a yellow card is appropriate if covering the mouth is considered “an attempt to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour.”
UEFA added, “This is obviously without prejudice to any disciplinary investigation or proceedings that may follow as a consequence of, or in connection with, such behaviour.”
Mouth-covering rule controversy
The issue attracted widespread attention in February during a UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid.
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, prompting allegations of racist abuse.
The Argentina international was initially suspended for one match before a UEFA investigation found him guilty of homophobic conduct. He was handed a six-match ban, with three matches suspended.
World Cup incidents
The new law has already been used at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Paraguay midfielder, Miguel Almiron, became the first player sent off under the rule during his country’s group-stage match against Turkey.
Arsenal defender, Piero Hincapie, also received a red card in Ecuador’s Round of 16 defeat to co-hosts Mexico.
Both dismissals followed Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews.
However, England midfielder Jude Bellingham was not sent off after covering his mouth while speaking to Ghana’s Jordan Ayew during a group-stage match, highlighting concerns about consistency in applying the law.
Ongoing concerns
The rule has generated debate because critics argue it creates a presumption of guilt before the content of a conversation is established.
There are also concerns that players could attempt to provoke opponents into being dismissed even when no abusive language has been used.
While rejecting the automatic red-card provision, UEFA has confirmed it will continue using another optional IFAB measure that allows VAR to review incorrectly awarded corner kicks. According to UEFA, 22 corner decisions have already been overturned to goal kicks during the World Cup.
The governing body also confirmed it will not introduce automatic red cards for players who leave the field in protest of refereeing decisions, another optional law available to competition organisers.
