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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Sport
Paul Myers

World Cup 2026: Players who leave pitch or cover mouths to be given red cards

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada will feature 48 teams for the first time. AFP - FREDERIC J. BROWN

Footballers who leave the pitch without the referee's permission and those who cover their mouths during confrontations can now be given red cards, under new rules announced on Wednesday.

The International Football Association Board (Ifab), which has overseen the sport's rules since 1886, outlined the changes during a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday.

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