European football's governing body Uefa has decided against using red cards for players who cover their mouths during confrontations, it was confirmed on Thursday – a move that sidesteps a controversial law introduced by Fifa at the World Cup.
The rule, the brainchild of Fifa president Gianni Infantino, was approved by the International Football Association Board in April and was intended to have a "deterrent effect" at the World Cup in Qatar. Two players were sent off under the law: Paraguay's Miguel Almiron in a group game against Turkey, and Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie during Ecuador's last-16 exit to co-hosts Mexico. Both dismissals came after a video assistant referee review.
“Uefa will not use red cards for players covering mouths in Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.”
The issue became high profile in February when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game. Prestianni was initially accused of racist abuse and provisionally banned for one match, but a Uefa investigation found him guilty of homophobic conduct and he was banned for six matches, three of which were suspended.
Despite that incident happening in its own flagship competition, Uefa has opted not to use the red card law in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League. Instead, Uefa said referees should assess situations individually and consider whether a yellow card should be shown if covering the mouth is "an attempt to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour". It added that this is "without prejudice to any disciplinary investigation or proceedings that may follow".
The decision sidesteps a law change that has proved controversial because it presents a presumption of guilt rather than innocence. Critics have raised concerns that it could be used to get an opponent sent off when nothing abusive has been said. Confusion has also abounded: England's Jude Bellingham was not sent off when he covered his mouth in conversation with Ghana's Jordan Ayew during a group game.
Uefa will, however, exercise the option of using VAR to check incorrect corners – 22 have been reversed to a goal-kick so far at the World Cup – but it will not issue red cards to players who leave the field in protest at a referee's decision, another law brought in at the discretion of competition organisers.