Fifa to introduce major new rule just weeks before World Cup as players threatened with red cards

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) convened for a special session in Vancouver, Canada, on Tuesday, where members approved the amendment proposed by Fifa.

Referees will also be given the authority to send off players who leave the pitch in protest, following the African Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

Both modifications have been sanctioned as optional measures that individual competitions may choose to implement, with Fifa confirming the World Cup will adopt them.

The mouth-covering issue gained prominence in February following a Champions League encounter between Benfica and Real Madrid.

During the match, Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni lifted his shirt to obscure his face whilst addressing Vinicius Jr, which led to accusations of racist abuse and a provisional one-match suspension for the Benfica player.

However, Uefa's subsequent investigation concluded that Prestianni had engaged in homophobic conduct, resulting in a six-match ban with three games suspended.

The incident prompted discussions at Ifab's annual general meeting in Wales later that month, where delegates agreed to reconvene before this week's Fifa Council gathering in Vancouver.

Referees retain complete discretion over whether to show a red card, weighing all circumstances before making their decision.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino expressed his support for the stricter rules, emphasising their intended preventative function.

He said: "If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously.

"There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn't have said, otherwise he wouldn't have had to cover his mouth.

"If you do not have something to hide, you don't hide your mouth when you say something. That's it, as simple as that."

The second rule change stems from chaotic scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

During that match, Senegalese players abandoned the pitch and retreated to the dressing rooms after disputing a penalty awarded to their opponents.

Upon their return, Brahim Diaz's Panenka attempt was caught by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Senegal ultimately prevailed 1-0.

The Confederation of African Football subsequently revoked Senegal's title and declared Morocco 3-0 winners.

Under the new provision, team officials who encourage players to leave the field also face red cards.

Any side responsible for causing a match to be abandoned will, as a general principle, forfeit the fixture.

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