The World Cup has introduced several new rules for this year’s tournament, including one that has already been put to the test. A player can now be sent off for covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent.

New Rules

This new law was introduced after a Champions League game in February, where a player was accused of making a racial comment, but it was impossible to know what he said because he had covered his mouth. The new rule aims to prevent players from hiding their insults and to ensure that the appropriate punishment can be handed out depending on what a player says.

Another new rule is that players can now be sent off if they leave the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision. Additionally, there are now five-second countdowns for goal kicks and throw-ins to stop time-wasting. If a player runs out of time on a throw-in, possession flips to the opponent, and if they run out of time on a goal kick, the opposition is awarded a corner.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also has new powers, including the ability to overturn an incorrectly awarded corner kick. These new rules are intended to improve the game and make it more fair for all players.

Upcoming Matches

Spain will look to get its World Cup campaign back on track after being held to a shock 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in the island nation’s World Cup debut. La Roja will face Saudi Arabia, who will look to launch another surprise after their first match.

Belgium and Iran will also face each other, both searching for their first win of the tournament. Belgium came from behind to draw 1-1 against Egypt, while Iran did so twice to share the spoils with New Zealand.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.