World Cup players were warned about a new rule that would result in an immediate red card for anyone covering their mouth when verbally confronting another player.
Background of the Rule
The rule, nicknamed the ‘Prestianni Law,’ was established to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language while on the field. FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for changes after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni tried to hide verbal insults toward Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League match.
The rule is not mandatory within the Laws of the Game but gives tournament organizers like FIFA the option to use it at their discretion. The rule change was unanimously approved by the International Football Association Board, which includes officials from FIFA and the four British soccer federations.
Incidents Involving the New Rule
Piero Hincapié, an Ecuador defender, was sent off in second-half stoppage time of his team’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in the round of 32. Hincapié’s red card came after an exchange with Mexico forward Santi Giménez. Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón was the first player to be punished under the new rule when he was sent off in a group match against Turkey for covering his mouth during a confrontation with defender Mert Mulder.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
