Good news, everyone: the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has decided that if you're going to hurl an insult on the pitch, you'd better own it. No more hiding behind a hand. Starting this summer, covering your mouth while verbally confronting an opponent could earn you a swift red card.
Because apparently, we've reached a point where the only thing worse than a foul is a secret foul. The rule, unanimously approved in Vancouver, will be in full effect for the World Cup kicking off on June 11.
The Mouth-Covering Mystery Solved
So, what prompted this sudden crackdown on covert communication? Blame an incident back in February. Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of a racist insult during a Champions League match. Prestianni, naturally, had his hand over his mouth at the time.
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Start Your News DetoxFast forward a bit, and UEFA slapped Prestianni with a six-game ban for homophobic verbal abuse. He can appeal, of course, but if he plays for Argentina in the World Cup, he might be watching the first two matches from the sidelines. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for the future of on-field banter.
IFAB's decree is pretty clear: "any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card." The exact punishment, however, is left up to the competition organizer. Because nothing says clarity like a bit of wiggle room.
But wait, there's more! Apparently, the theatrics of storming off the field in protest of a referee's call are also out. Players who leave the field in a huff can now also see red. And if a team official is caught egging them on? Also a red card. Because nothing says "calm down" like escalating the situation for everyone involved.
All 48 teams heading to the World Cup (hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico) will be briefed on these new regulations. So, get ready for a summer of soccer where everyone's words are on full display, whether they like it or not.
