Red card even for covering your face during a debate in the World Cup, what is this new FIFA rule?

 

Red card even for covering your face during a debate in the World Cup, what is this new FIFA rule?

 

Covering your mouth while arguing with an opponent can now lead to a red card at the FIFA World Cup. FIFA had informed all teams of this new rule before the tournament and now match officials are strictly enforcing it.

According to the American news agency AP, the latest action under this rule was seen in the round of 32 match between Ecuador and Mexico on Tuesday, where Ecuadorian defender Peru Hincapie was shown a red card in second-half stoppage time.

Hincapie was sent off for covering his mouth during an argument with Mexican forward Santiago Jimenez.

Although the decision did not affect the outcome of the match, as the match ended moments later, it did draw attention to the new law.

Why did FIFA introduce this new law?

According to FIFA, the law was introduced to prevent players from covering their mouths after using abusive, racist or insulting language.

The law is also informally known as the ‘Prestiani law’.

The change came after a controversy in international football this year.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino backed the rule change when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestiani was accused of covering his mouth with his jersey while addressing Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior so that his words could not be guessed from his lip movements.

Following the incident, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body that sets football's laws, decided that a player can be given a red card if he deliberately covers his face during an argument with an opponent.

Although the rule is not made a mandatory part of the basic laws of football, tournament organizers such as FIFA have the power to implement it at their discretion.

The IFAB, which includes representatives from FIFA and the four British football associations, unanimously approved the proposal at a special meeting held before the FIFA Congress.

Who were the first players to receive a red card under the rule?

The Peruvian Hincapie is not the first player to receive a red card under the rule.

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron was previously shown a red card for covering his face during an argument with defender Merit Mulder in a group stage match against Turkey.

Although Paraguay won that match 1-0, Almiron was unable to play in the next group match. FIFA has made it clear that the decision cannot be appealed.

What happens after a red card at the World Cup?

If a player is shown a red card at the World Cup, he must leave the field immediately and faces a one-match ban for the next match.

After receiving a red card, the team concerned plays the rest of the match with only 10 players, which results in a numerical disadvantage for the team. However, all 11 players, except for the suspended player, can take the field in the next match.