World Cup 2026 players who cover mouths or leave pitch in protest may be red carded

• Ifab has not mandated the change for other competitions

• Decision follows Prestianni and Afcon final controversies

Any player who covers their mouth when confronting an opponent or who leaves the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision will receive an automatic red card at this summer’s World Cup.

In a regulation change approved by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) ahead of Thursday’s Fifa Congress in Vancouver it was confirmed that the new protocols will be in place for the tournament, which begins in June.