UEFA will not expel players who cover their mouths

The UEFA has confirmed that it will not use red cards for players who cover their mouths in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. After the controversial match between Benfica and the real Madridwhere Prestianni He was accused of racist insults towards Viniciusthe FIFA has taken measures to ensure that this situation does not occur again.

In this World Cup 2026any player who covers his mouth in front of an opponent in an “unfriendly” manner will be automatically expelled. This new standard has been called ‘Prestianni Law’ and several players have already experienced it. It is the case of Almironplayer Paraguay who was the first expelled by this new rule in the group stage against Türkiye. The Ecuadorian defender Emphasisalso saw the red card in the elimination of Ecuador in view of Mexico. Both players were sent off after review of the VAR.

However, the English player Jude Bellingham was not expelled when he covered his mouth while talking to Jordan Ayewplayer Ghana. The head of FIFA referees, Pierluigi Collinaclarified before the tournament began: “Players can cover their mouths with their arm or shirt while chatting with their teammates. If the conversation is friendly, no problem“.

Despite these incidents, UEFA has decided not to use this regulation and has stated that referees must analyze each situation individually and consider whether a yellow card should be issued if it is an “attempt to conceal the communication as an act of unsportsmanlike conduct”.

The organization wanted to emphasize that “this, obviously, does not undermine any research or disciplinary procedure that may arise from or be related to such conduct.”

The ‘Prestianni law’ or ‘Vinicius law’ is worrying many fans and players, as many believe that it can be used to get an opponent sent off when nothing offensive has been said without the possibility of proving it.

In this way, FIFA and UEFA open a new debate on how these types of situations should be managed and on who should legislate football at a global level.