The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), in collaboration with the International Football Association Board (IFAB), has approved new disciplinary amendments that will be implemented during the 2026 World Cup. These amendments stipulate that a player will receive a direct red card if they cover their mouth while confronting opponents or leave the field in protest against the referee's decisions.

The decision came after a series of controversial incidents in recent months, most notably the crisis of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final, when Senegal's players left the field in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The match was later resumed, and Senegal won after extra time, but the result was subsequently annulled and the title awarded to Morocco amid ongoing legal appeals.

The new rules were also linked to the incident involving player Gianluca Prestianni with Vinicius Junior in the Champions League, after the Benfica player was accused of making verbal insults while covering his mouth with his shirt, before UEFA decided to suspend him for six matches due to comments described as racist.

According to the "IFAB" statement, any player who leaves the field in protest may face direct expulsion at the discretion of the tournament organizer. Additionally, any team official who incites players to withdraw can be penalized, and the team may be considered withdrawn and lose the match if they cause its cancellation. Although these amendments have been adopted in the World Cup, their application in other local and continental tournaments will remain at the discretion of the organizing federations for each competition.