After seeing the ‘Prestianni Rule’ in action at the 2026 World Cup, UEFA confirmed it will not adopt the law that sends players off for covering their mouths while confronting an opponent.
FIFA introduced the new rule, passed by the the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in April, at this summer’s tournament as a way to combat players using discriminatory language during altercations on the pitch. Those caught covering their mouth, which serves to hide evidence of what is being said, in a hostile exchange are immediately shown a red card.
