Ahead of and during the FIFA World Cup, players are being told that covering their mouths during verbal confrontations with opponents can lead to a red card. Multiple reports say this warning comes from a new directive that treats such conduct as attempting to conceal communication, with some cases described as resulting in an immediate sending off.
However, UEFA takes a different approach in Europe’s competitions. According to Inside World Football, UEFA decides against introducing an automatic red-card sanction for players who cover their mouths during confrontations. Instead, UEFA instructs referees to caution players for attempting to conceal communication as unsporting behaviour, while leaving the option to take disciplinary action after matches where appropriate.
The guidance is described as a departure from FIFA’s tougher stance used at the World Cup. Overall, the accounts indicate the issue is being handled differently depending on the competition, with FIFA’s approach reportedly more punitive and UEFA’s emphasizing caution first and possible later review.
