IFAB adopts new regulations, World Cup 2026 to increase penalties.

(NLĐO) - FIFA and IFAB are taking steps to tighten discipline ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Use your shirt to cover your mouth while talking.

The focus of this move stems from the controversial incident involving Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni. During the first leg of the Champions League play-off between Real Madrid and Benfica in mid-February, the Argentinian striker used his shirt to cover his mouth while speaking to a Real Madrid player.

Gianluca Prestoni (in red shirt) covers his mouth during an argument with Vinicius Junior in the first leg of the play-off in February (Photo: AS)

The match was then interrupted for about 10 minutes because Vinicius claimed he had been racially abused. Last week, the European Football Federation (UEFA) banned Prestoni for six matches for the incident, including three suspended matches lasting two years.

Recently, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) unanimously approved a regulation increasing penalties for similar actions. Specifically, any player who covers their mouth while arguing with an opponent at the 2026 World Cup, especially if there are signs of ethical misconduct or discrimination, could receive a red card and be immediately sent off the field.

Previously, at the IFAB's annual meeting in February, the World Football Federation (FIFA) proposed the idea of ​​imposing sanctions on players who cover their mouths immediately after the incident between Vinicius and Prestianni. FIFA President Gianni Infantino asserted that referees "should issue a red card if a player covers their mouth while arguing with an opponent."

Take a tougher approach to dealing with negative reactions on the field.

Furthermore, FIFA is also aiming to take stronger action against negative reactions on the field, including players leaving the pitch to protest referee decisions. In the 2026 CAN Cup final in January, several Senegalese players left the field after hosts Morocco were awarded a penalty in the final minutes of injury time.

The Senegal national team's coaching staff urged players to leave the field during the recent CAN Cup final against Morocco (Photo: AP).

The actions of coach Pape Thiaw and his players caused a 17-minute delay in the match. Senegal subsequently won the championship thanks to Brahim Diaz missing a penalty and Pape Gueye scoring in the first period of extra time.

However, in March, the African Football Confederation (CAF) appeals panel reversed the decision and awarded the trophy to Morocco. Senegal is currently appealing the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

According to the IFAB, players who abandon a match to protest the referee, and officials who incite players to leave the field, will be immediately disqualified. "In principle, the team that causes the interruption of the match will forfeit the game," the organization emphasized.

After being approved by the IFAB, the new regulations will be applied immediately to the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off next June, instead of being tested at lower levels.

However, the IFAB has not yet mandated the widespread application of these regulations. In other tournaments, organizers have the right to apply them or not, depending on the specific circumstances.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ifab-thong-qua-quy-dinh-moi-world-cup-2026-tang-an-phat-196260429123638267.htm