FIFA’s newly introduced rule against players covering their mouths during on-field confrontations has already had a significant impact at the World Cup, with Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié becoming the latest player to be sent off under the regulation.
Hincapié received a straight red card deep into stoppage time during Ecuador’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the round of 32 following a verbal exchange with Mexican forward Santiago Giménez. Although the dismissal came moments before the final whistle and did not affect the outcome, it highlighted FIFA’s commitment to strictly enforcing the new measure.
The regulation was introduced ahead of the tournament to discourage players from concealing abusive, discriminatory or offensive language during disputes on the pitch. Commonly referred to as the “Prestianni Law”, the rule allows referees to issue an immediate red card to any player who covers their mouth while confronting an opponent.
The change was prompted by an incident earlier this year involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who was accused of directing a racially offensive remark at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior while covering his mouth during a UEFA Champions League match. FIFA President Gianni Infantino subsequently called for tougher sanctions, and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) unanimously approved the amendment before the World Cup.
Although the measure is not compulsory under the Laws of the Game, it gives competition organisers such as FIFA the authority to implement it during their tournaments.
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón became the first player dismissed under the rule during the group stage after covering his mouth while arguing with Turkey defender Mert Müldür. Paraguay went on to win the match 1-0, but Almirón was suspended for the team’s final group fixture, with FIFA confirming that the decision could not be appealed.
As with any straight red card, players sent off under the regulation are immediately dismissed from the match and automatically suspended for their team’s next fixture, while their side must complete the remainder of the game with 10 players.
