UEFA has released a rule that players will not be sent off for covering their mouths when talking to opponents in all tournaments under the auspices of the European football governing body.
UEFA has decided not to use this rule in the Champions League, Europa League, and UEFA Conference League next season.
A UEFA statement issued on Thursday, July 2, 2026, local time, confirmed that referees can consider covering their mouths to hide communication as unsporting behavior that can be punished with a yellow card only.
"This is clearly without prejudice to any investigation or disciplinary process that may occur as a consequence of or in connection with such behavior," the statement added.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has backed a rule change for the 2026 World Cup, under which players will be given a direct red card if they cover their mouths with their hands while talking to an opponent.
Miguel Almiron of Paraguay was the first player to be sent off at the 2026 World Cup because of this new rule. Piero Hincapie of Ecuador also got a red card for covering his mouth while talking to an opponent.
However, England's Jude Bellingham escaped a red card despite appearing to cover his mouth against Ghana for "not in a confrontational way".
The problem of players covering their mouths to hide what they are saying to opponents became famous in February 2026 in a Champions League match when Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni lifted his shirt while talking to Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.
The Real Madrid winger accused him of racist abuse, but after an UEFA investigation, he was found guilty of anti-gay behaviour and banned for six matches.
Although this incident occurred in a UEFA major tournament, they have decided not to use the rules introduced by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup.
UEFA has also decided not to use their option to give a red card to players who leave the field in protest.
However, UEFA will use the new rule to allow VAR to check a wrong corner kick, which has been used in the 2026 World Cup.
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