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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Sport
Paul Myers

Football lawmakers plan crackdown on player protests and covering mouth on field

Senegal's players walked off the field during their final against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Their action has prompted the game's lawmakers to look at introducing a rule that can instantly punish such behaviour. AP - Youssef Loulidi

Football's lawmakers on Saturday backed a review to bring in rules to stop players walking off the pitch if they disagree with a referee's decision and also covering their mouth when confronting opponents during matches.

The International Football Association Board's (Ifab) move follows the chaotic denouement to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on 18 January in which the Senegal team left the field following a decision to award a stoppage-time penalty to Morocco.

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