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IFAB agrees red-card sanction for players covering mouths during verbal clashes

Gianni Infantino

Fifa president Gianni Infantino gives a speech during the 36th AFC Annual Congress at Vancouver Convention Centre, Canada on April 28, 2026

Photo credit: Jennifer Gauthier | Reuters

London,

 Players covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents could receive a red card and players who leave the field in protest at a referee's decision may be red-carded, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) said on Tuesday.