UEFA rejects FIFA’s rule on mistaken identity & mouth-covering
UEFA has confirmed it won’t adopt FIFA’s rule allowing red cards for players who cover their mouths while speaking to opponents, opting for yellow cards instead in its own competitions.
UEFA has confirmed players won’t be sent off for covering their mouths while addressing opponents in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League next season, departing from FIFA’s World Cup approach.
Referees may still issue a yellow card if the gesture is deemed an attempt to conceal unsporting communication, UEFA said in a statement, adding this is separate from any disciplinary proceedings that follow.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had pushed for the stricter red-card rule after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni allegedly directed abuse at Vinícius Júnior while covering his mouth during a Champions League match.
IFAB approved the rule on an optional basis for tournament organisers, but UEFA has chosen not to exercise it, also declining to send off players who leave the pitch in protest.
UEFA has also rejected using the VAR to review mistaken identity, like the one which saw Switzerland’s Breel Embolo sent off against Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals.
