UEFA Rejects FIFA's New Automatic Red Card Rules

The European football governing body, UEFA, has decided to oppose FIFA’s approach regarding newly introduced disciplinary rules that impose automatic red cards on players who cover their mouths when confronting opponents or exit the pitch in protest against refereeing decisions.

These regulations were approved last month by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the legislative body of football, following FIFA’s request. They are scheduled to take effect on June 1 and are mandated for referees to enforce during the 2026 World Cup.

However, UEFA announced that it will not apply these rules in its men's and women's Champions League tournaments or other club competitions under its jurisdiction.

The controversy surrounding this rule gained attention after an incident in February during a Champions League match where Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani covered his mouth with his shirt while insulting Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. This event intensified the debate over mouth-covering gestures, prompting FIFA to insist on preventing such actions in the upcoming World Cup.

Following the incident, the Argentine player Prestiani received a six-match suspension, with three matches suspended for two years, after being found guilty of homophobic behavior.

FIFA’s council has not mandated the application of these rule changes across all competitions. UEFA’s executive committee is scheduled to hold its final meeting of the season in Istanbul on Wednesday, where no regulatory changes are expected to be discussed.

Subsequently, UEFA’s club competitions committee will ratify the regulations for the next season’s men’s and women’s tournaments in Leipzig next week. According to The Guardian, no significant amendments are anticipated.

Sources within UEFA stated that its refereeing committee will monitor the impact of the new rules during the World Cup to consider potential adjustments for the following season.

Domestic leagues retain discretionary authority over whether to enforce these new regulations. The English Premier League is expected to confirm its plans for the upcoming season after its annual general meeting next month.

Since FIFA is currently the only organization committed to applying these rules, widespread adoption appears unlikely at this stage.