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IFAB approves Prestianni rule, penalties already apply in the Cup ā ļø
TL;DR
IFAB has approved the 'Prestianni rule' to penalize players who cover their mouths during confrontations and teams that leave the pitch. These penalties will be enforced at this year's World Cup.
Key points
- IFAB approved two new rules proposed by FIFA
- Players covering their mouths will receive a straight red card
- Teams walking off the pitch will face penalties
- New rules apply at this year's World Cup
- Approval occurred in Vancouver, Canada
Mentioned in this story
International Football Association BoardFIFAVancouver
IFAB approves Prestianni rule, penalties already apply in the Cup ā ļø
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved, during a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada, two new rules proposed by FIFA that will already be in effect at this yearās World Cup.
The measures are intended to punish with a straight red card players who cover their mouths to talk to opponents during confrontations and teams that walk off the pitch.
'Prestianni rule'
The rule against covering the mouth gained momentum and urgency after the serious incident in February in the Champions League involving Benficaās Gianluca Prestianni and Brazilian star VinĆcius JĆŗnior of Real Madrid.
On that occasion, the Argentine lifted his shirt to cover his face while speaking to the Brazilian, who accused Prestianni of calling him a "monkey."
Kylian MbappƩ even confirmed that he heard the racist abuse directed at Vini in an interview after the match.
After a UEFA investigation, Prestianni was found guilty of homophobic conduct and suspended for six matches.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the new sanction as a measure with a strong deterrent effect.
"If you have nothing to hide, you donāt cover your mouth when you say something. Itās as simple as that," Infantino said. "If a player covers his mouth and says something that has a racist consequence, he obviously needs to be sent off. There must be a presumption that he said something he shouldnāt have," he added.
Despite the strict guideline, the issuing of a red card will remain entirely at the refereeās discretion, and the official must assess the circumstances at the time before making a decision.
Severe punishment for leaving the field
The second approved change targets extreme protests against refereeing decisions.
Players who leave the pitch in protest against a refereeās decision will be subject to a red card.
Q&A
What is the 'Prestianni rule' approved by IFAB?
The 'Prestianni rule' penalizes players who cover their mouths during confrontations with a straight red card.
When will the new rules from IFAB take effect?
The new rules will be in effect at this year's World Cup.
What penalties are imposed for teams leaving the pitch under the new rules?
Teams that walk off the pitch will face penalties as part of the newly approved measures.
Where did IFAB approve the new rules?
The new rules were approved during a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada.
