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The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has unanimously approved a new rule that will see players issued a red card for covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents. The regulation, agreed upon during a special meeting in Canada on Tuesday, will be implemented ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The move follows a controversial incident in a UEFA Champions League match in February, where an argument was obscured from officials and cameras.
FIFA proposed the change following a dispute between Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in February that caused international scrutiny.
It was about 50 minutes into the Champions League playoff game when Vinícius scored the first goal and incensed Benfica fans with his dancing celebration. Prestianni went to speak with Vinícius but kept his mouth covered with his jersey. Vinícius walked away visibly upset and immediately went to speak to the referee.
Moments later, the referee threw his arms up in a crossed gesture. That began a protocol that indicates an allegation of racist abuse is being made, prompting a stoppage of play and an investigation.
No action was taken during the match because of a lack of evidence at the moment.
Vinícius told reporters after the game that Prestianni directed a racial slur at him, which Prestianni denied. Prestianni wrote on Instagram that "at no time" did he direct racist insults at Vinícius and that Vinícius "regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard."
Kylian Mbappé backed his Real Madrid teammate in interviews and said he heard Prestianni call Vinícius a "monkey."
"He said it five times," Mbappé said. "I am speaking as clearly as possible. I am telling you what I think and what I heard, and I heard it very well."
Prestianni denied the claim, ESPN reported, telling officials of UEFA, the governing body of soccer in Europe, that he used an anti-gay slur, not a racist slur. Prestianni was initially suspended for one game while officials investigated.
Last week, UEFA announced Prestianni would be punished with a six-game suspension specifically for homophobic discrimination. The penalty for racist abuse is a 10-game suspension.
The dispute sparked international headlines and condemnation across the soccer world. Many felt that leagues should impose rules against players trying to obscure what they say in arguments.
